Namely, 61

NAMELY

eponyms (EP-uh-nimz)

words based on or derived from a person's name.

First Known Use: mid-19^th century

“What’s in a Name?”

Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, 2.2­­

61: derringer (or deringer): a small pistol, easily concealed (from Henry Deringer, 1786–1868, the American gunsmith who invented it; first known use of word, 1853)

I should have guessed: A derringer!

When I received that note from her:

“Please meet me in the alley—soon.

Tonight it’s best—there is no moon.”

And so I’m here—a bullet hole

Has pierced my heart. I see my soul

Just wing away. I see her smile—

That wicked smile so full of bile.

I should have guessed she’d shoot me dead—

She told me I was poor in bed.

Excuse enough to fire a gun

And end my life? Oh well. I’m done …