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snaphance
noun
snap·hance
\ˈsnapˌ han|(t)s, -hän|\\|n\
variants: or
snaphaunce
\ˈsnapˌ han|(t)s, -hän|\ less commonlysnaphaan
\|n\Definition of snaphance
-s
1a : a primitive flintlock b : an old-time musket having such a lock
2 obsolete : a snap catch or spring catch
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Origin and Etymology of snaphance
Dutch snaphaan highway man, snaphance (influenced in meaning by snappen to snap and haan hammer of a gun), from Middle Dutch snaphaen highwayman, from snappen to snap, snatch + haen cock; akin to Old High German hani cock
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