BARKING IRONS Meaning and
Definition
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Barking irons, also known as barking-irons or simply barkers, is a colloquial term commonly used in the 19th century to refer to small pistols or firearms. The term originated from the sound emitted by the discharge of these firearms, which resembled the sound of a dog's bark. It was often used in criminal slang or underworld jargon, particularly in the United States and England during the Victorian era.
Barking irons were typically pocket-sized pistols, characterized by their compactness and easily concealable nature. These firearms were frequently employed by thieves, gang members, or individuals involved in illicit activities, providing them with a means of self-defense or intimidation. Due to their small size, barking irons could easily be hidden within clothing, allowing the wielder to surprise their victim or escape unnoticed.
These pistols were typically muzzle-loading, single-shot firearms, with a short barrel and a smoothbore. They were often smoothbore flintlock pistols, although as technology progressed, percussion caps and other firing mechanisms were also utilized. The overall design and construction of barking irons allowed for quick and discreet use, making them a preferred weapon among criminals during that period.
While the usage of barking irons gradually declined with the evolution of firearms technology and the imposition of stricter gun control measures in modern times, their historical significance remains. The term "barking irons" is still used today to describe these compact, early pistols and serves as a reminder of the criminal subculture of the 19th century.
Common Misspellings for BARKING IRONS
- varking irons
- narking irons
- harking irons
- garking irons
- bzrking irons
- bsrking irons
- bwrking irons
- bqrking irons
- baeking irons
- badking irons
- bafking irons
- batking irons
- ba5king irons
- ba4king irons
- barjing irons
- barming irons
- barling irons
- baroing irons
- bariing irons
Etymology of BARKING IRONS
The term "Barking irons" originated in the early 19th century as a slang term for pistols or firearms. The exact etymology of the term is not entirely clear, as it is believed to be a colloquial phrase that arose among criminals in the United States during that time.
One theory suggests that "barking" refers to the loud noise made by firing a gun, similar to the sound of a dog barking. "Irons" is a common slang term for guns or firearms. When used together, "barking irons" essentially means "guns that bark".
Another possible explanation is that "barking" is derived from the phrase "barking dogs", which was a term used to refer to sore or aching feet. The idea is that carrying heavy firearms would create discomfort and soreness, similar to how feet can ache after a long walk or standing for extended periods.
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