Early 19th century; earliest use found in South African Journal. From South African Dutch roer (Afrikaans roer) long-barrelled gun from Dutch roer gun barrel, long-barrelled gun, extended use of roer pipe, reed (Middle Dutch (in late sources) roer), cognate with Middle Low German rōr pipe, reed, German Rohr pipe, reed, (in later use also) gun barrel (Middle High German rōr, Old High German rōr), Old Icelandic reyrr pipe, Old Swedish rör pipe (Swedish rör pipe, reed, gun barrel), Old Danish rør pipe (Danish rør pipe, reed, gun barrel), Gothic raus pipe, further etymology unknown.