Definitions:

1. A deception tactic that was commonly used in warfare during the 18th and 19th centuries, that involved painting logs to look like artillery pieces in order to intimidate the enemy. NOUN
   • The use of Quaker guns declined with the advancementof artillery technology and the increased professionalism of armies.
2. A dummy artillery piece, often constructed to look like a real cannon from a distance, used to deter attacks, buy time, or mislead opposing forces. NOUN
   • The rebels used Quaker guns to delay the enemy's advance without firing a shot.
3. A fake cannon, typically made from logs or other non-functional materials, used historically as a military deception tactic to fool the enemy into believing a position was more heavily armed than it actually was. NOUN
   • The fort appeared heavily armed, but most of the cannons were Quaker guns.
4. A nonfunctional imitation of a gun or a piece of artillery, typically made of wood and usually intended to deceive enemy forces into overestimating one's available firepower. NOUN
   • Despite its appearance, the Quaker gun seved a psychological purpose, instilling fear in opponents.

Synonyms:

• decoy
• dummy weapon
• military ruse