SNAPHANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Snaphance refers to a type of early flintlock mechanism widely used in firearms during the 16th to 18th centuries. It was a significant improvement over the earlier matchlock and wheellock designs, as it provided more reliability and ease of use.
The term "snaphance" is derived from the Dutch word "snaphaan," which translates to "snapping cock," referring to the distinctive sound made when the mechanism was activated. This mechanism consists of a spring-loaded hammer that strikes a piece of flint against a steel plate, called the frizzen, generating sparks to ignite the gunpowder.
The snaphance lock mechanism functions by pulling back the hammer with a lever or trigger, thus compressing the spring. When released, the spring propels the hammer forward, causing the flint to strike the steel frizzen. The sparks created fall onto a priming pan containing gunpowder, igniting it and sending a flame through a touchhole into the gun barrel, where the main powder charge is held. This ignition process allows the firearm to discharge its projectile.
Snaphance locks were known for their durability and relatively quick ignition time, making them popular for military use. However, they had some limitations, such as being susceptible to misfires in wet weather conditions or when the flint became worn.
Due to their historical significance and importance in the development of firearms, snaphance locks are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of antique weaponry.
Common Misspellings for SNAPHANCE
- anaphance
- znaphance
- xnaphance
- dnaphance
- enaphance
- wnaphance
- sbaphance
- smaphance
- sjaphance
- shaphance
- snzphance
- snsphance
- snwphance
- snqphance
- snaohance
- snalhance
- sna-hance
- snapgance
- snahance
Etymology of SNAPHANCE
The word "snaphance" has its origin in the Dutch language. It is derived from the Dutch term "snaphaan", which combines "snap" (meaning "to snap" or "to bite") and "haan" (meaning "rooster" or "cock"). In the 17th century, the term "snaphaan" referred to a type of flintlock mechanism used in firearms, which had a cock that snapped or bit down on the flint to create the spark needed to ignite the gunpowder. This term was anglicized to "snaphance" in English, to describe the particular flintlock mechanism.
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