riot gun

noun

: a small arm used to disperse rioters rather than to inflict serious injury or death

especially : a short-barreled shotgun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Then police, armed with riot gun, tear gas and clubs, formed into two large battalions and cleared the street in front of the gates. ... —Scott Harrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2019

The ammunition issued for the riot guns was lethal buckshot, shells used by deer hunters that contain nine to 12 pellets as large as .38 caliber pistol slugs. —Deneen L. Brown, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above