'artillery' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'artillerie', where 'art' meant 'skill' and 'illerie' referred to 'equipment'.

'artillerie' transformed into the Middle English word 'artillerie', and eventually became the modern English word 'artillery'.

Initially, it meant 'equipment for war', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'large-caliber guns used in warfare'.