Dictionary

derringer en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈdɛɹɪndʒə(ɹ)/ (UK)

Etymology

Named after American gunsmith Henry Deringer (1786–1868).

Meanings

1. A type of very small, concealable pistol with one or two barrels but without any loading system or magazine.
   • “Afraid? Oh no! they never interfere with me. […] And look here,” and diving her little hand into the bodice of her dress she produced a double-barrelled nickel-plated Derringer, “I always carry that loaded, and if anybody tried to touch me I should shoot him[…]” 1887, H[enry] Rider Haggard, chapter IV, in Allan Quatermain […], London: Longmans, Green, and Co., →OCLC:

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