linstock

[ lin-stok ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

linstock

/ ˈlɪnˌstɒk /

1565–75; earlier lyntstock < Dutch lontstock match-stick, with lint replacing lont by association with the material commonly used as tinder

C16: from Dutch lontstok, from lont match + stok stick

A tall artillerist stood, with linstock and fuse, near the breech, waiting for the order to fire.

The gallant gunners, linstock in hand, watched by the guns loaded with bags of bullets and with chain shot.

Another suggestion connects it with a supposed derivation of “linstock,” from “lint.”

Wat Kilby, whose eyes had been fixed on Janet staring out of the window, uttered a low growl, and lit the linstock.

Linstock in hand the brawny gunner on the poop stood ready to answer them when the word should be given.

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