handgun
UK: ˈhændɡʌn | US: ˈhændɡʌn
n. a small firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
The word "handgun" is a straightforward compound of "hand" (Old English hand, meaning the body part used for grasping) and "gun" (Middle English gonne, derived from Old Norse gunnr, meaning "war" or "battle"). The term emerged in the late 14th century to describe portable firearms operated manually, distinguishing them from larger artillery. The logic is literal: a gun held in the hand.
The police officer drew her handgun when she saw the suspect.
He keeps a loaded handgun in his bedside drawer for protection.
The museum displayed an antique handgun from the 18th century.
Proper training is essential before handling a handgun.
The law restricts the sale of handguns to licensed buyers.