linstock

Definitions

  • WordNet 3.6
    • n linstock a stick about a meter long with a point on one end (to stick in the ground) and a forked head on the other end (to hold a lighted match); formerly used to fire cannons
    • ***
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
    • n Linstock lĭn"stŏk A pointed forked staff, shod with iron at the foot, to hold a lighted match for firing cannon.
    • ***
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
    • n linstock A pointed staff with a crotch or fork at one end to hold a lighted match, used in firing cannon.
    • ***
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
    • n Linstock lin′stok a staff to hold a lighted match for firing cannon
    • Linstock Also Lint′stock
    • ***

Etymology

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
Corrupt. fr. luntstock, D. lontstok,; lont, lunt + stok, stock, stick. See Link a torch, Lunt, and Stock

Usage

In literature:

Linstock in hand the brawny gunner on the poop stood ready to answer them when the word should be given.
"The Sea-Hawk" by Raphael Sabatini
When the hands of the clock were close to the hour, they stood ready with their linstocks.
"The Jewel of Seven Stars" by Bram Stoker
LINSTOCK, staff to stick in the ground, with forked head to hold a lighted match for firing cannon.
"Volpone; Or, The Fox" by Ben Jonson
LINSTOCK, staff to stick in the ground, with forked head to hold a lighted match for firing cannon.
"The Alchemist" by Ben Jonson
LINSTOCK, staff to stick in the ground, with forked head to hold a lighted match for firing cannon.
"The Poetaster" by Ben Jonson
LINSTOCK, staff to stick in the ground, with forked head to hold a lighted match for firing cannon.
"Sejanus: His Fall" by Ben Jonson
LINSTOCK, staff to stick in the ground, with forked head to hold a lighted match for firing cannon.
"Every Man In His Humor" by Ben Jonson
Hand me the linstock!
"Slain By The Doones" by R. D. Blackmore
I wouldn't demane mesilf by spakin' to the loikes ov Sarjent Linstock, sor!
"Crown and Anchor" by John Conroy Hutcheson
I don't see any linstock around here.
"Shaman" by Robert Shea
***

In poetry:

Hairy-faced Dick, linstock in hand,
Is waiting that grim-looking Skipper's command:—
A wink comes sly
From that sinister eye—
Hairy-faced Dick at once lets fly,
And knocks off the head of young Hamilton Tighe!
"The Legend Of Hamilton Tighe" by Richard Harris Barham

In news:

Community Foundation calls in Linstock for winter fundraising campaign.
prweek.com
***

Related words