| 释义 |
† ˈtouch-powder Obs.
[This appears to be the earliest of the series of compounds mentioned in touch- 1 c, in which touch- signifies the ready kindling or setting fire to something; app. from OF. tochier (le feu), touchier to set fire. Touch-powder prob. represented an OF. *poudre-à-toucher (le feu). Thence touch-box, -hole, -pan, etc., and the parallel touch-wood, etc.]
A fine kind of gunpowder placed in the pan over the touch-hole in an old-fashioned firearm; priming-powder. Also attrib.
1497Naval Acc. Hen. VII (1896) 88 Towchepoudre..j barell. 1508Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot. IV. 137 Item, for double gilting of the Kingis twich powdir horn, xxvj s. 1591Garrard's Art Warre 6 Let him make hys Tutch Pouder. 1598[see touch-box]. |