Per-cus′sion-lock.
(Fire-arms.) One in which the cock or hammer strikes a fulminate to explode the charge. The percussion principle was first applied to fire-arms by the Rev. Mr. Forsyth of Belhelvie, England, in 1803. The interior mechanism may be the same as that formerly used in the flint-lock, the shape of the hammer being altered to allow it a greater sweep, and the battery and pan replaced by a nipple or cone.