cap pistol

noun

1. a toy gun using caps to imitate the sound of a real pistol.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cap pistol¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

It snapped like a cap pistol and flipped halfway up to the ceiling.

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He set Ralph down in front of an opening in a cardboard wall and said, “When Brad fires his cap pistol, go for the peanut butter.”

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“I can bring my cap pistol for a starter’s gun,” volunteered Brad, showing interest for the first time.

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My cap pistol was taken from me and, despite my tears, put out with the garbage.

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After adjusting the cap pistol strapped to his hip, he took a whirling cut that brought to mind a finish-line flagman or a revolving lawn sprinkler.

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