Musket

Pronunciation

• IPA: /mÊŒskÊŒt/, /mÊŒskɪt/

Alternative forms

• musquet

Origin

French mousquet, itself from Italian moschetto, diminutive of mosca ("fly").

Full definition of musket

Noun

1. A species of firearm formerly carried by the infantry of an army. It was originally fired by means of a match, or matchlock, for which several mechanical appliances (including the flintlock, and finally the percussion lock) were successively substituted. This arm has been superseded by the rifle.Soldier, soldier, won't you marry me, with your musket, fife and drum.

Derived terms

• musketeer

Related terms

• musketoon