origin of the word gun

Question
hi there. my three year old asked me a very tricky question recently. why is a gun called a gun ? i couldn't answer him.i think you may have more luck. thanks in advance........Ian

Answer
Ian,

To the best of my knowledge and reference, the word "gun" is a derivative of the word "gunne" that came from the 1330's which is defined as "an engine of war that throws rocks and other missiles" and/or is also thought to have originated from the shortening of the woman's name "Guilda" similar to "recent" history and tradition of naming weapons after the female gender eg. "Big-Bertha" etc.

I hope this helps and thanks for the question Ian.

Sid Lark