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.

1

1549.  Acts Privy Council (1890), II. 348. Flaskes, cviij; touche boxes, c.

2

1564.  Wills & Inv. N. C. (Surtees), I. 226. One dagg wth flask and tutchbockes vs.

3

1590.  Sir J. Smyth, Disc. Weapons, 21. The touchpowder in the touch-boxes also.

4

1591.  Garrard’s Art Warre, 3. Hys Flaske and Tutchboxe must keepe hys Pouder.

5

1598.  Barret, Theor. Warres, III. i. 34. To haue his touchboxe fastened by the string … and to prime his peece with touch-powder.

6

1627.  Capt. Smith, Seaman’s Gram., xiv. 68. A Horne is his touch-box.

7

1660.  Act 12 Chas. II., c. 4 Sched. s.v. Boxes, Touch-boxes of iron or other mettal, guilt, the dozen … j. l.

8

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.

9