pistol

[pis-tl]

noun

1. a short firearm intended to be held and fired with one hand.

verb (used with object)

pistoled, pistoling , pistolled, pistolling .

1. to shoot with a pistol.

pistol

/ ˈpɪstəl /

noun

1. a short-barrelled handgun

2. to threaten a person in order to force him to do what one wants

verb

1. (tr) to shoot with a pistol

Other Word Forms

• pistollike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistol¹

1560–70; < Middle French pistole < German, earlier pitschal, pitschole, petsole < Czech píšt’ala literally, pipe, fife, whistle (presumably a slang term for a type of light harquebus employed during the Hussite wars), akin to pištět to squeak, peep

Word History and Origins

Origin of pistol¹

C16: from French pistole, from German, from Czech pišt'ala pistol, pipe; related to Russian pischal shepherd's pipes

Example Sentences

The police also said they found two firearms, including a loaded pistol, in Cutler’s vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times

It also happens to be the same out-of-production Colt pistol whose bullets were used in Erin’s murder.

From Salon

Just three days later, the court heard, his mother bought him a crossbow "pistol" with a 50lb draw weight.

From BBC

The attacker approached the side of the building and fired dozens of shots through the church windows using three firearms - a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol.

From BBC

Two firearms were found in his vehicle, according to the police, including a loaded pistol.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• firearm 
• gun 
• handgun 
• rod