sawed-off

[ sawd-awf, -of ]

adjective

1. sawed off at the end, as a shotgun or broomstick.
2. Slang. smallish; of less than average size or stature.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sawed-off¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

A man squatting in Yosemite was sentenced to more than five years in prison on Monday for breaking into a home in Wawona and possessing a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition.

From Los Angeles Times

Deputies searched his car and also found an additional loaded handgun, a sawed-off shotgun, more than $1,000 in cash, scales, narcotic paraphernalia and packaging, sheriff’s officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency found the accessories can make pistols as dangerously powerful and easy to conceal as short-barreled rifles or sawed-off shotguns.

From Washington Times

Nistorescu said Rauda at some point upgraded to a sawed-off rifle, the weapon used in each of the counts he was convicted of Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Agents could see that he was armed with a sawed-off shotgun, according to the affidavit, and Yang allegedly threatened to shoot anyone who came in.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• low
• small
• thick
• tiny