quaker-gun
Definition
Noun: - Decoy cannon: A "quaker-gun" refers to a fake cannon, typically made of wood, used on ships or in fortifications to deceive enemies into thinking the vessel or position is more heavily armed than it actually is.
Usage Examples
- (Fake cannons used as a bluff.)
- (Decoy artillery made of wood.)
Advanced Usage
- "To show a quaker-gun": To display a fake cannon or weapon as a ruse.
- The general ordered his men to show quaker-guns along the riverbank to mislead the enemy scouts. (To present a deceptive appearance of strength.)
Variants and Related Words
Quaker (n): A member of the Religious Society of Friends, known historically for pacifism; the term "quaker-gun" may derive from the Quakers' non-violent stance, as the fake cannon is a non-lethal threat.
- The term quaker-gun is believed to reference the Quakers' refusal to use real weapons. (Historical origin of the word.)
Decoy (n): A person or thing used to lure or mislead an enemy.
- The quaker-gun served as a decoy to draw enemy fire away from real artillery. (A device used for deception.)
Synonyms
- Dummy cannon: A fake cannon used for deception.
- The museum displayed a dummy cannon from the 18th century. (A replica or imitation.)
- Sham gun: A counterfeit or deceptive weapon.
- The fort's sham guns were made of painted logs. (Fake artillery used for bluffing.)
Related Idioms
A paper tiger: Something that appears threatening but is actually harmless.
- The enemy's quaker-guns were a paper tiger, frightening only from a distance. (A deceptive but powerless threat.)
Smoke and mirrors: Deceptive or misleading actions.
- The fleet's quaker-guns were just smoke and mirrors to hide its true weakness. (Tricks used to create a false impression.)