"rifle" Definition

Definitions for the word "rifle" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To seize and bear away by force; to snatch away; to carry off.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To strip; to rob; to pillage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To raffle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To raffle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To commit robbery.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A gun, the inside of whose barrel is grooved with spiral channels, thus giving the ball a rotary motion and insuring greater accuracy of fire. As a military firearm it has superseded the musket.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A body of soldiers armed with rifles.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A strip of wood covered with emery or a similar material, used for sharpening scythes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To grove; to channel; especially, to groove internally with spiral channels; as, to rifle a gun barrel or a cannon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To whet with a rifle. See Rifle, n., 3.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
1 gun with a long rifled barrel, esp. One fired from the shoulder. 2 (in pl.) Riflemen. v. (-ling) make spiral grooves in (a gun, its barrel, or its bore) to make a projectile spin. [french]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
12. v.
(-ling) (often foll. By through) 1 search and rob. 2 carry off as booty. [french]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "rifle" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "rifle" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "rifle") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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