Ri·fle, n.
1. A gun, the inside of whose barrel is grooved with spiral channels, thus giving the ball a rotary motion and insuring greater accuracy of fire. As a military firearm it has superseded the musket.
2. pl. Mil. A body of soldiers armed with rifles.
3. A strip of wood covered with emery or a similar material, used for sharpening scythes.
Rifle pit Mil., a trench for sheltering sharpshooters.