revenue cutter

American  

noun

1. cutter.

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revenue cutter British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of revenue cutter

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Had I passed a certain reef now called Tahoma Reefs in the day time instead of at night in 1914, I would not have lost the revenue cutter Tahoma.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was saluted with 21 guns, boarded the presidential barge, was ferried out into the Potomac near Haines Point, received another salute, boarded the revenue cutter Apache.

From Time Magazine Archive

Followed J. Butler Wright, Assistant Secretary of State, on a revenue cutter to extend the President's greetings.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week the British revenue cutter, repaired and loaded with German police, again headed for Helgoland.

From Time Magazine Archive

On June 2nd he was escorted to the Long Wharf in Boston and put aboard a revenue cutter and sent back to Virginia.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry