Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
percussion cap ExamplesWord Origin noun
- a small metallic cap or cup containing fulminating powder, formerly exploded by percussion to fire the charge of small arms.
Origin of percussion cap First recorded in 1815–25 Examples from the Web for percussion cap Historical Examples of percussion cap
It made about as much noise as a percussion-cap, and the wind was from Brigham toward us.
Charles Godfrey Leland
On so slight an incident—the defect of a percussion-cap—did the battle hinge.
Matthew Page Andrews
He then looked to his percussion-cap, to make sure that all was right.
Mayne Reid
The revolver of the Civil War was, of course, a percussion-cap weapon.
H. Beam Piper
Then he had only to place a percussion-cap on the tube, and he was ready for business.
Edward S. Ellis
British Dictionary definitions for percussion cap percussion cap noun
- a detonator consisting of a paper or thin metal cap containing material that explodes when struck and formerly used in certain firearms