noun
or snap·haunce ˈsnapˌ han](t)s, -hän] ; also snap·haan ]n\
( -s )
Etymology: Dutch snaphaan highway man, snaphance (influenced in meaning by snappen to snap and haan hammer of a gun), from Middle Dutch snaphaen highwayman, from snappen to snap, snatch + haen cock; akin to Old High German hani cock — more at snap , chant
1.
a. : a primitive flintlock
b. : an old-time musket having such a lock
2. obsolete : a snap catch or spring catch