rifle
1. ri.fle \'ri--f*l\ \-f(*-)lin\ \-f(*-)l*r\ vb or ri.fling [ME riflen, fr.
MF rifler to scratch, file, plunder, of Gmc origin;] akin to obs. D
rijffelen to scrape 1: to ransack esp. with the intent to steal 2: to
steal and carry away : to engage in rifling - ri.fler n
2. rifle \-f(*-)lin\ vt or ri.fling [F rifler to scratch, file] : to cut
spiral grooves into the bore of {rifled arms} {ri fled pipe}
3. rifle \-f*l-m*n\ n 1a: a shoulder weapon with a rifled bore 1b: a
rifled artillery piece pl 2: a body of soldiers armed with rifles -
ri.fle.man n
4. rifle \-f(*-)lin\ vt or ri.fling [3rifle] : to hit or throw (a ball)
with great force