riot gun

noun

1. a gun, especially a shotgun with a short barrel, for quelling riots rather than inflicting serious injury.

Word History and Origins

Origin of riot gun¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Rick heard the secretary draw in his breath sharply, and he surreptitiously got ready to pump a shell into the riot gun's chamber.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he went in and got his riot-gun, well loaded with duck-shot.

From Project Gutenberg

So they raged all night, firing at the jail, but not daring to come too near the man with the riot-gun.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw Ben step through the doorway, a riot gun in his hands.

From Project Gutenberg

The Colonel ejected his words with the decisive click of a riot-gun.

From Project Gutenberg