Musket - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A musket is a long-barreled firearm used from the 16th to 19th centuries. It was loaded from the muzzle and fired by a flintlock or matchlock mechanism, commonly used by infantry soldiers.
Definition:
A smoothbore long gun used by infantry before the rifle was developed.
Synonyms:
firearm, arquebus, blunderbuss, flintlock
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(none applicable)
Common Collocations:
loaded musket, fire a musket, musket ball, musket shot
Derivatives:
musketeer, musketry
Usage Tips:
Use "musket" to refer to historical firearms from the 16th–19th centuries, not modern weapons.
Common Phrases:
lock, stock and barrel, musket fire
Etymology:
Derived from French "mousquet," from Italian "moschetto," meaning a small arrow or bolt.
Examples:
- 1. The soldier carried a heavy musket into battle.
- 2. Muskets were widely used during the American Revolution.
- 3. He cleaned the musket carefully after firing it.
- 4. The museum displayed an antique musket from the 1700s.