[ri.fle] vb ri.fled ; ri.fling [ME, fr. MF rifler to scratch, file, plunder, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG riffilon to saw, obs. D rijffelen to scrape] vt (14c) 1: to ransack esp. with the intent to steal
2: to steal and carry away ~ vi: to engage in ransacking and stealing -- ri.fler n
[2]rifle vt ri.fled ; ri.fling [perh. fr. F rifler to scratch, file] (1635): to cut spiral grooves into the bore of "rifled arms" "rifled pipe" [3]rifle n (1770) 1 a: a shoulder weapon with a rifled bore b: a rifled artillery piece
2. pl: soldiers armed with rifles [4]rifle vt ri.fled ; ri.fling [[3]rifle] (1937): to propel (as a ball) with great force or speed