Definition of cannon

The word "cannon" has a rich history. It originated from the Arabic word "kanan", which referred to a sling or a slingstone. This term was adopted into Middle English as "cannoun" or "cannon", likely due to the similarity in shape and function between a cannon and a sling. In the 14th century, cannons referred to the metallurgical process of casting and shaping metal into irregular forms, rather than the modern concept of a large-caliber firearm. Over time, the term "cannon" became associated with the newly developed gunpowder weapons, likely due to the resemblance in shape and size between the cannons of the 12th century and the early artillery pieces. The modern meaning of the word "cannon" as a large-caliber artillery piece or firearm emerged in the 15th century, and has remained largely unchanged since then.