Definition

1. Noun:
   • The butt end of a rifle: The thick, typically flat or slightly curved end of a rifle's stock, opposite the muzzle. It is the part that is placed against the shooter's shoulder when aiming and firing.

Usage

• The term "rifle butt" specifically refers to the physical component of the firearm. It is used to describe that part in contexts involving handling, use, or description of the weapon.
• It can also be referenced in contexts where the rifle is used as an improvised tool or weapon, with the butt end being the part employed.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He placed the rifle butt firmly against his shoulder before taking the shot.
  • The soldier used his rifle butt to break the window in an emergency.
  • The antique musket had a beautifully carved rifle butt.

Advanced Usage

• "to strike with a rifle butt": To hit someone or something using the butt end of a rifle as a club.
  • The guard was ordered to strike the prisoner with his rifle butt.

Variants and Related Words

• Buttstock (n): A more technical term for the rear part of a rifle, including the section that is shouldered. "Rifle butt" often refers specifically to the end surface of the buttstock.
• Stock (n): The entire wooden, metal, or composite frame of a rifle to which the barrel and action are attached. The "rifle butt" is part of the stock.

Synonyms

• Gun butt: A more general term that can apply to the butt end of various shoulder-fired firearms.
• Shoulder stock: Emphasizes the part that contacts the shoulder.

Notes

• "Rifle butt" is a compound noun. The word "rifle" specifies the type of firearm, and "butt" specifies the particular part. It is treated as a single lexical unit referring to that specific component.
• Do not confuse with the verb "rifle" (to search hastily) or the unrelated noun "butt" (e.g., a large cask, the target of a joke).

Noun

1. the butt end of a rifle