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
Linstock \Lin"stock\ (l[i^]n"st[o^]k), n. [Corrupt. fr.
luntstock, D. lontstok; lont lunt + stok stock, stick. See
Link a torch, Lunt, and Stock.]
A pointed forked staff, shod with iron at the foot, to hold a
lighted match for firing cannon. [Written also lintstock.]
[1913 Webster]
