rifling

¹

[ rahy-fling ]

noun

1. the act or process of cutting spiral grooves in a gun barrel, pipe, etc.
2. the system of spiral grooves so cut.

rifling

²

[ rahy-fling ]

noun

1. the act or process of ransacking or robbing.

rifling

/ ˈraɪflɪŋ /

noun

1. the cutting of spiral grooves on the inside of a firearm's barrel
2. the series of grooves so cut

Word History and Origins

Origin of rifling¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; rifle ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of rifling²

rifle ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It’s 18 degrees but feels much colder thanks to a rifling northwest wind and an army of sun-blotting clouds racing overhead.

From Washington Post

The gunsmith was so impressed by the boy and his accomplishment that, after rifling the barrel, he fitted it with a lock.

From Project Gutenberg

These other marks were made by the rifling of the barrel a barrel like this one.'

From Project Gutenberg

The little uplift of mood, coincident with the rifling of Riggs's person, had not worn over to this evening camp.

From Project Gutenberg

But the trouble was unknown, and they might end up rifling or pinwheeling if they didn't let bad enough alone.

From Project Gutenberg

I went down stairs, and saw one of the villains cutting Mrs. Williamsons throat, and rifling her pockets.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rip