sawed-off

[sawd-awf, -of]

adjective

1. sawed off at the end, as a shotgun or broomstick.

2. Slang.,  smallish; of less than average size or stature.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sawed-off¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

County sheriff’s deputies turned up 30,000 rounds of ammunition, several grenades, a sawed-off shotgun and modified credentials to make it appear that Young was still an active DEA agent.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Conservationists also debate what to do with the sawed-off rhino horns.

Read more on Salon

A man squatting in Yosemite was sentenced to more than five years in prison on Monday for breaking into a home in Wawona and possessing a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Deputies searched his car and also found an additional loaded handgun, a sawed-off shotgun, more than $1,000 in cash, scales, narcotic paraphernalia and packaging, sheriff’s officials said.

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The agency found the accessories can make pistols as dangerously powerful and easy to conceal as short-barreled rifles or sawed-off shotguns.

Read more on Washington Times

Related Words

• low 
• small 
• thick 
• tiny