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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.

musket

/ˈmʌskɪt/ /ˈmʌskɪt/

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.

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