The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Linstock \Lin"stock\ (l[i^]n"st[o^]k), n. [Corrupt. fr.
   luntstock, D. lontstok; lont lunt + stok stock, stick. See
   Link a torch, Lunt, and Stock.]
   A pointed forked staff, shod with iron at the foot, to hold a
   lighted match for firing cannon. [Written also lintstock.]
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

linstock
    n 1: a stick about a meter long with a point on one end (to
         stick in the ground) and a forked head on the other end (to
         hold a lighted match); formerly used to fire cannons