breechloader
noun
breech·load·er
ˈbrēch-ˈlō-dər 
: a firearm that loads at the breech
The first really satisfactory American breechloader was developed at Harpers Ferry by Christian Sharps, whose superior gun helped make the word sharpshooter a common American noun.—
Bernard Brodie and Fawn M. Brodie
compare muzzleloader
Bernard Brodie and Fawn M. Brodie
Word History
First Known Use
1855, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near breechloader
Cite this Entry
“Breechloader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breechloader. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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