zip-gunhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zip-gun_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezip gun, n.
Revised 2021

zip gunnoun

North American.
  1. 1914–
    A type of toy gun designed to shoot projectiles by means of a spring or rubber band; (hence) a homemade or makeshift gun.
    1. 1914
      A donkey party was also enjoyed, the girl's prize being an embroidered handkerchief and the boy's, a ‘Zip’ gun.
      Athens (Georgia) Banner 26 September 2/1
    2. 1946
      Matias..approached Arcantro with a ‘zip gun’ which fired pellets from a rubber band.
      Newcastle (New South Wales) 26 October 6
    3. 1971
      I..had thoughts to kill him off with my zip gun but was afraid to.
      B. Malamud, Tenants 103
    4. 1997
      Sing Sing was recently locked down after bullets and a zip gun were found in the lower mess hall.
      Village Voice (New York) 4 November 8

Originally published as part of the entry for zip, int. & n.¹

zip, int. & n.¹ was revised in March 2021.