Derringer
/ˈdɛrɪndʒər/noun
A small handgun designed to be carried concealed.
Did you know?“Derringer” comes from the name of Philadelphia gunsmith Henry Deringer, although the modern spelling adds an extra r to his surname.
Etymological Timeline
1786
English
Henry Deringer
“The Philadelphia gunsmith later associated with the weapon’s name was born.”
Early 19th Century
English
Deringer
“Surname of Henry Deringer, a maker of firearms in Philadelphia.”
1820s–1830s
English
Deringer pistol
“A compact pistol manufactured or associated with Deringer’s workshop.”
Mid-19th Century
English
derringer
“A small, concealable pistol; the altered spelling became common in English.”
Modern English
English
derringer
“A generic term for a small handgun, often designed with one or more short barrels.”