snaphance

noun snap·hance

variants: or snaphaunce \ˈsnapˌ han|(t)s, -hän|\ or less commonly snaphaan \|n\

Definition of snaphance

plural -s

1 a : 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