Riot Act

noun

1. an English statute of 1715 providing that if 12 or more persons assemble unlawfully and riotously, to the disturbance of the public peace, and refuse to disperse upon proclamation they shall be considered guilty of felony.

Riot Act

noun

1. criminal law (formerly in England) a statute of 1715 by which persons committing a riot had to disperse within an hour of the reading of the act by a magistrate
2. read the riot act to someone
   to warn or reprimand someone severely

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. read someone the riot act,
   1. to reprimand; censure:

      The principal read them the riot act for their behavior at the assembly.

   2. to give (someone) a sharp warning.

Example Sentences

A woman called in to read Stone Cold the riot act for not giving her family autographs at an event.

From The Daily Beast

Imagine that Israeli ambassadors in EU capitals were summoned to the local foreign ministries and read the riot act.

From The Daily Beast

Run line had on her the effect of the reading of the Riot Act.

From Project Gutenberg

He boldly approached the mob, and, halting the soldiers at no great distance from them, began to read the Riot Act.

From Project Gutenberg

It also means that the riot act has been read to Garwood by some people who are in a position to read it.

From Project Gutenberg

My dearest friend, why, in the name of every thing sacred, have the riot act read?

From Project Gutenberg

Harris raged and sputtered and the coaches stood over the unfortunate Trow and read him the riot act.

From Project Gutenberg