Riot Act definition

Riot Act

Topics Riot Act Definition

WordNet

(1) A former English law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them

(2) A vigorous reprimand

"I read him the riot act"

WiktionaryText

Properly An act for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies, and for the more speedy and effectual punishing the rioters — 1715

An English law that stated that if 12 or more people assembled unlawfully in a public place they must disperse when read a proclamation