1590s, "dissoluteness," a sense now obsolete; verbal noun from riot (v.). Meaning "continuous public disturbance" is from 1832. Earlier was riotry "unruly behavior" (mid-14c.).
Entries linking to rioting
riot v.
late 14c., "behave in a dissolute manner, engage in loose revelry," from Old French rioter "chatter, dispute, quarrel," from riote "dispute, quarrel" (see riot (n.)). The meaning "instigate or take part in a violent public disturbance" is from 1755. Related: Rioted; rioting.