Dictionary Definition
linstock n : a stick about a meter long with a
point on one end (to stick in the ground) and a forked head on the
other end (to hold a lighted match); formerly used to fire
cannons
Extensive Definition
A linstock (also called a lintstock) (adapted
from the Dutch
lontstok, "match stick") is a staff with a fork at one end to hold
a lighted slow match,
and a point at the other to stick in the ground. Linstocks were
used for discharging cannons in the early days of artillery.