Posters researched and found historical examples of the term's use, persuasive indications that its prior use by trained engineers in other fields led to its adapted use by gunmakers. Nothing surfaced suggesting its gun-related use was "generated by the obviously ignorant and promulgated by much the same."

Not having a lot else to do, I was entertained, and think it was a pretty impressive effort in etymology by those who did the research -- notwithstanding Wonko's attempt to demean it.

Jay

Last edited by Gunflint Charlie; 01/29/14 06:15 PM.