Quaker gun

American  

noun

1. a dummy gun, as on a ship or fort: so called in allusion to the Quakers' opposition to war.

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Quaker gun British  

noun

1. a dummy gun, as of wood

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Etymology

Origin of Quaker gun

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

If her mother made that hor-rid speech about a Quaker gun, she repeated it, before all the boys and girls in our Drama Class, too!

From Project Gutenberg

They approached very cautiously, and found that they had been awed by a few Quaker guns—logs of wood in position, and so painted as to resemble cannon.

From Project Gutenberg

They were a goodly sight to see,—the bright, healthy boys, straight as the "Quaker guns" they carried, and marching off with a firm and manly tread.

From Project Gutenberg

Howbeit, like Quaker guns, these made a brave show if not too closely scrutinized, and spared us the semblance of poverty in vacant spaces.

From Project Gutenberg

A few Quaker guns--logs mounted on wagon-wheels--were the only trophies.

From Project Gutenberg