Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Trigger

Trigger , noun

[For older tricker, from Dutch trekker, from trekken to draw, pull. See Trick, n.]

1.
A catch to hold the wheel of a carriage on a declivity.
2.
(Mechanics) 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.
Collocations (1)
Trigger fish (Zoology) , 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.