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cap pistol

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of cap pistol

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From Golf Digest • Sep. 25, 2016

Chico answered that he doesn't own even a cap pistol, much less a .38.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the first sound of gunfire, most Congressmen thought that it was a prank?a string of firecrackers or a cap pistol.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Helena, Mont., onetime ripsnortin' mining town, police got a complaint that a boy was frightening horses with a cap pistol.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary

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