barking iron

A cowboy draws his barking iron from its holster.

Definition

Noun (slang, historical): A "barking iron" is a slang term for a pistol or handgun.

Usage Examples

• (He drew his pistol.)
• (A handgun carried for protection.)

Advanced Usage

• "to flash a barking iron": to display or brandish a pistol threateningly.
  • The gambler flashed his barking iron to intimidate his opponent. (He showed his gun as a threat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bark (v): to make a sharp, explosive sound, like a gunshot.
  • The barking iron can be heard from a distance when fired. (The pistol makes a loud noise.)

Synonyms

• Pistol: a small firearm designed to be held in one hand.
• Handgun: a general term for a firearm that can be held and fired with one hand.
• Revolver: a type of handgun with a rotating cylinder holding bullets.

Related Idioms

• "to bite the barking iron": an older, rare idiom meaning to be shot or killed by a gun.
  • The villain bit the barking iron in the final showdown. (He was shot dead.)