Hammer

(hăm'mür.) [A.S. hamer.] (Mech.) A tool used by blacksmiths, joiners, and other cla es of mechanics, consisting of an iron head fixed athwart the extremity ofa short wooden handle. H. are of various kinds and qualities, adapted for the particular services in which they are employed; as, sledge-, hand-, claw-, rivetting-, forge-, and steam-hammers. See STEAM-HAMMER.-(Gun.) In muskets, fowling-pieces, ., that part of the lock which falls with force upon the flint or percu ion-cap when the trigger is pulled.-(Anat.) See EAR. [s. 437]