revenue cutter

noun

1. cutter ( def 4 ).

revenue cutter

noun

1. a small lightly armed boat used to enforce customs regulations and catch smugglers

Word History and Origins

Origin of revenue cutter¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

There's not wind enough for a schooner to get far away by the time the revenue cutter arrives.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes it very closely resembled actual war, as when the smugglers, mounting a small battery, fired openly on a revenue cutter.

From Project Gutenberg

A revenue cutter—this is a port of customs, please remember—lies in the offing.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Knapp, of the revenue service, had been requested to take me to the spot with the revenue cutter under his command.

From Project Gutenberg

All these notes were made upon the cruise of the revenue-cutter Corwin in 1881.

From Project Gutenberg