Lock, stock, and barrel

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Lock, stock, and barrel is a merism used predominantely in the United Kingdom and North America meaning 'all', 'total', 'everything'. The term itself derives from the components of a musket; the 'lock' being the firing mechanism, 'stock' being the wooden butt-end of the gun and 'barrel'; being cylindrical component, concurring 'all' the components of the gun.

Another interpretation could be business related. ie. One would own "the lock" as in the building, stock as in the stock exchange, investments etc., and "barrel" as in all inventory etc.

[edit] History

The term was first recorded in the letters of Sir Walter Scott in 1817, in the line "Like the High-landman's gun, she wants stock, lock, and barrel, to put her into repair".^{[citation needed]} It is, however, thought that this term evolved into a popular saying some years before in England.

[edit] Media

Further: Lock Stock & Barrel is a book dealing with the restoration and repair of antique firearms, in two volumes. Illustrated and written in tutorial fashion, it was authored and published by R.H McCrory, now of Ardmore, OK. The first Lock Stock & Barrel was published in 1966 and Lock Stock & Barrel-Vol Two was published around 1992. It is the only substantial offering on the subject published on its subject to date. At last report it was being offered in re-print by Dixie Gun Works, Union City, TN

Lock, stock and barrel, is also referenced in the title to the Guy Ritchie movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Also, Officer Lockstock and Officer Barrel are two characters from Urinetown: the Musical.