Quaker gun

noun

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

Quaker gun

noun

1. a dummy gun, as of wood

Word History and Origins

Origin of Quaker gun¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of Quaker gun¹

alluding to the Quakers' traditional pacifism

Example Sentences

They had called her father’s invention a joke, a Quaker gun, Una and her mother.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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