To check or prepare their gunpowder charges.
Here's a breakdown:
* Priming: In the context of firearms, the priming is the small charge of gunpowder that ignites the main charge in the gun.
* Looking to: This part implies a visual inspection or preparation of the priming charge, ensuring it's ready for firing.
Example:
"The soldiers looked to their priming, preparing for the coming battle."
Modern usage:
The phrase is rarely used today, as modern firearms don't require the same level of manual priming. However, you might encounter it in historical fiction or literature set in a time when gunpowder weapons were prevalent.
Other possible meanings:
While the firearms connection is the most likely interpretation, "looked to their priming" could also have a broader meaning. It could be used figuratively to suggest:
* Getting ready for something important: "The team looked to their priming, knowing they had a big challenge ahead."
* Checking their resources or preparations: "Before starting the project, they looked to their priming to ensure they had all the necessary materials."
If you provide more context about where you encountered this phrase, I might be able to give you a more precise answer.