† ˈtouch-box Obs. exc. Hist.
[for touch-powder box: see touch-powder.]
A box for ‘touch-powder’ or priming-powder, formerly forming part of a musketeer's equipment.
| 1549 Acts Privy Council (1890) II. 348 Flaskes, cviij; touche boxes, c. 1564 Wills & Inv. N.C. (Surtees) I. 226 One dagg w{supt}{suph} flask and tutchbockes vs. 1590 Sir J. Smyth Disc. Weapons 21 The touchpowder in the touch-boxes also. 1591 Garrard's Art Warre 3 Hys Flaske and Tutchboxe must keepe hys Pouder. 1598 Barret Theor. Warres iii. i. 34 To haue his touchboxe fastened by the string..and to prime his peece with touch-powder. 1627 Capt. Smith Seaman's Gram. xiv. 68 A Horne is his touch-box. 1660 Act 12 Chas. II. c. 4 Sched. s.v. Boxes, Touch-boxes of iron or other mettal, guilt, the dozen..j. l. 1902 Firth Cromwell's Army iv. 81 A fine powder for priming..in what was termed a touch-box or primer, and a coarser powder for loading..in his flask. |