gun 1
— gunless , adj.
/gun/ , n. , v. , gunned, gunning .
n.
1. a weapon consisting of a metal tube, with mechanical attachments, from which projectiles are shot by the force of an explosive; a piece of ordnance.
2. any portable firearm, as a rifle, shotgun, or revolver.
3. a long-barreled cannon having a relatively flat trajectory.
4. any device for shooting something under pressure: a paint gun; a staple gun.
5. Slang. a person whose profession is killing; professional killer: a gangland gun.
6. Brit. a member of a shooting party.
7. See electron gun .
8. give the gun , Slang. to put into motion or speed up: We gave the motor the gun and drove off.
9. jump the gun , Slang.
a. to begin a race before the starting signal.
b. to begin prematurely; act too hastily.
10. spike someone's guns , to frustrate or prevent someone from accomplishing a plan: Our competitors planned a surprise reduction in their rates, but we discovered it and were able to spike their guns.
11. stick to one's guns , to maintain one's position in the face of opposition; stand firm: They stuck to their guns and refused to submit. Also, stand by one's guns .
12. under the gun , under pressure, as to meet a deadline or solve a problem: We're all under the gun with these new sales quotas.
v.t.
13. to shoot with a gun (often fol. by down ): The guards gunned down the fleeing convict.
14. to cause (an engine, vehicle, aircraft, etc.) to increase in speed very quickly by increasing the supply of fuel.
v.i.
15. to hunt with a gun.
16. to shoot with a gun.
17. gun for ,
a. to seek with intent to harm or kill.
b. to seek; try earnestly to obtain: He is gunning for a raise.
[ 1300-50; ME gunne, gonne, appar. short for AL Gunilda, gonnyld, name for engine of war; cf. ON Gunna, short for Gunnhildr woman's name ]
gun 2
/gun/ , v.
pp. of gin 3 .