from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Trigger \Trig"ger\, n. [For older tricker, from D. trekker, fr.
trekken to draw, pull. See {Trick}, n.]
1. A catch to hold the wheel of a carriage on a declivity.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mech.) A piece, as a lever, which is connected with a
catch or detent as a means of releasing it; especially
(Firearms), the part of a lock which is moved by the
finger to release the cock and discharge the piece.
[1913 Webster]
{Trigger fish} (Zool.), a large plectognath fish ({Balistes
Carolinensis} or {Balistes capriscus}) common on the
southern coast of the United States, and valued as a food
fish in some localities. Its rough skin is used for
scouring and polishing in the place of sandpaper. Called
also {leather jacket}, and {turbot}.
[1913 Webster]