Editing Matchlock (section)

{{Short description|Firearm mechanism}}
[[Image:PS8004046.jpg|thumb|Early German [[musket]] with [[serpentine lock]].]]
A '''matchlock''' or '''firelock'''<ref>The definition of firelock changes over times, in later era it could refer to [[flintlock]] and [[wheellock]]. According to Merriam-Webster, a firelock is "a gun's lock employing a [[slow match]] to ignite the powder charge", first recorded in 1544. See Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). [[mwod:firelock|Firelock]]. In ''Merriam-Webster.com dictionary''. Retrieved October 13, 2022.</ref> is a historical type of [[firearm]] wherein the [[gunpowder]] is ignited by a burning piece of flammable cord or twine that is in contact with the gunpowder through a mechanism that the musketeer activates by pulling a lever or [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]] with their finger. This firing mechanism was an improvement over the [[hand cannon]], which lacked a trigger and required the musketeer or an assistant to apply a match directly to the gunpowder by hand. The matchlock mechanism allowed the musketeer to apply the match himself without losing his concentration.