PEPPERBOX Meaning and
Definition
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Pepperbox is a noun that refers to a type of firearm, specifically a small revolver that contains multiple barrels in a circular arrangement that resembles the shape of a pepper shaker.
This unique design allows the pepperbox to have multiple fixed barrels, typically three to six, that can be fired sequentially without reloading after each shot. These barrels are aligned around a central axis, and each chamber can individually hold and fire a single bullet.
The construction of a pepperbox typically includes a rotating cylinder that is manually turned to align one of the barrels with the hammer and firing pin, enabling the discharge of the weapon. The individual barrels are usually short, providing for a compact design, and they may feature smoothbore or rifled bores.
Pepperbox firearms gained popularity during the 19th century and were often utilized as self-defense weapons due to their ease of use and compact size. While some pepperboxes had a single action mechanism, requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot, others incorporated a double-action mechanism that enabled firing with a simple trigger pull, although this typically required a heavier trigger pull compared to single actions.
Today, pepperboxes are primarily seen as historical curiosities or collector's items, as they have largely been replaced by more efficient and powerful firearms. However, they remain significant artifacts representing a unique era in firearms design and technology.
Common Misspellings for PEPPERBOX
- oepperbox
- lepperbox
- 0epperbox
- pwpperbox
- pspperbox
- pdpperbox
- prpperbox
- p4pperbox
- p3pperbox
- peoperbox
- pelperbox
- pe0perbox
- pepoerbox
- peplerbox
- pep0erbox
- peppwrbox
- peppsrbox
- peppdrbox
- pepprrbox
- pepp4rbox
Etymology of PEPPERBOX
The word "pepperbox" originated in the 16th century. It is a combination of two parts: "pepper" and "box".
The term "pepper" is derived from the Old English word "pipor" or "pipur", which can be traced back to the Latin word "piper" and the Greek word "piperi". This refers to the spice obtained from the fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, commonly known as black pepper. Since black pepper was often ground or crushed to produce small flakes, the term "pepper" became associated with small round objects.
The second part, "box", comes from the Old English word "box" or "bux", which ultimately originates from the Latin word "buxus". It refers to a small container or receptacle, usually rectangular or square-shaped.
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