sidelock
UK[ˈsaɪd.lɒk]US[ˈsaɪd.lɑːk]
n
a lock of hair hanging at the side of the head, often in front of the ear.
n
a type of firearm lock mounted on the side of the stock.
Morpheme Breakdown
side
lock
side
side
lock
lock
Etymology
the word "sidelock" is a transparent english compound formed from two native old english elements. "side" derives from proto-germanic sīdō, referring to the flank or lateral part of something. "lock" in the context of hair comes from proto-germanic lukkaz, meaning a tuft or strand, which is distinct from but related to the "lock" meaning a fastening device, from proto-germanic luką. the compound first emerged to literally describe a lock of hair worn at the side of the head. its later application to a side-mounted gun lock follows the same logical spatial description, showcasing the productive nature of english compounding where elemental meanings combine to create precise, concrete terms.
Analysis
Structure: side (side) + lock (lock)
side (old english; meaning "side, flank") + lock (old english; meaning "a lock of hair; a mechanism for fastening")
Examples
the victorian portrait showed the woman with elegant sidelocks curled beside her cheeks.
in some religious traditions, men wear long, uncut sidelocks as a sign of faith.
the antique musket was fitted with a reliable flintlock sidelock.