shotgun

Definitions

• (firearms) A gun which fires loads typically consisting of small metal balls, called shot, from a cartridge.
• (slang) The front passenger seat in a vehicle, next to the driver; so called because the position of the shotgun-armed guard on a horse-drawn stage-coach, wagon train, or gold transport was next to the driver on a forward-mounted bench seat.
• (US) A one-story dwelling with no hallways or corridors, with the rooms arranged in a straight line.
• (American football) An offensive formation in which the quarterback receives the snap at a distance behind the center, often with a running back set to one or both sides of him.
• (attributive) Relating to shotguns, either in a present or past sense: e.g. shotgun cartridges, shotgun seat.
• (attributive) Relating to the threat of force or dubious means: e.g. shotgun wedding, shotgun diplomacy.
• (attributive) Relating to the use of numerous, diverse or indiscriminate means to achieve a particular result: e.g. shotgun marketing, a shotgun approach.