BREECHLOADER Meaning and
Definition
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A breechloader is a type of firearm that is designed with a mechanism for loading ammunition from the rear, or the breech, of the barrel, rather than the front. This differs from earlier muzzle-loading firearms, where the ammunition was loaded through the open end of the barrel.
The breechloader made its appearance in the mid-19th century as a significant development in firearms technology. It allowed for faster and easier loading of ammunition, as well as improved accuracy. The breechloading mechanism typically consists of a breechblock or breech mechanism that can be opened and closed to insert and extract the cartridge or shell.
Breechloaders can be further categorized into various types, including single-shot, bolt-action, lever-action, and pump-action designs. They have been widely used in both military and civilian contexts, including rifles, shotguns, and cannons.
The advantages of breechloaders over muzzle-loaders are numerous. Aside from the quicker loading time, they generally offer improved safety, as the risk of accidentally discharging the firearm during the loading process is greatly reduced. Breechloaders also facilitated the development of metallic cartridges, which offered better sealing and greater firepower.
Overall, the advent of breechloaders revolutionized firearms technology, leading to more efficient and advanced designs. Today, the term "breechloader" is used to describe any firearm that loads ammunition through the breech end of the barrel, regardless of the specific mechanism employed.
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A firearm that receives its load at the breech.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BREECHLOADER
- vreechloader
- nreechloader
- hreechloader
- greechloader
- beeechloader
- bdeechloader
- bfeechloader
- bteechloader
- b5eechloader
- b4eechloader
- brwechloader
- brsechloader
- brdechloader
- brrechloader
- br4echloader
- br3echloader
- brewchloader
- breschloader
- bredchloader
Etymology of BREECHLOADER
The term "breechloader" is formed by combining two words: "breech" and "loader".
1. Breech: The word "breech" refers to the rear part or end of a firearm's barrel. It comes from the Middle English word "brech" or "breche", which further traces its origins back to the Old English word "brec" meaning "buttock". The term "breech" has been used since the 16th century to specifically refer to the back end of a gun barrel.
2. Loader: The term "loader" refers to someone or something that loads or inserts ammunition into a firearm. Although the exact etymology of "loader" is uncertain, it is derived from the English word "load", meaning to put or place something in or on something else.
Similar spelling words for BREECHLOADER
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