holster

American  

[hohl-ster] / ˈhoʊl stər /

noun

1. a sheathlike carrying case for a firearm, attached to a belt, shoulder sling, or saddle.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put or put back in a holster.

   to holster a gun.

holster British  

/ ˈhəʊlstə /

noun

1. a sheathlike leather case for a pistol, attached to a belt or saddle

2. mountaineering a similar case for an ice axe or piton hammer

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• holstered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of holster

1655–65; < Dutch; cognate with Gothic hulistr, Old Norse hulstr sheath; akin to Old English helan to hide

Explanation

The noun holster looks like holder and that's exactly what it is. Some holsters hold a single item, like a gun, and others are more like tool belts, holding many small items. The o in holster is long, so pronounce it like this: "HOLE-ster." Originally, the word described something very specific — a leather case for a pistol. It probably comes from the Old English word heolster (earlier helustr), which means "concealment, hiding place." Today, holsters may hide what they hold, but they always keep things handy.

Example Sentences

“The Senators played before anyone else started,” Mr. Holster said.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2017

For fall, Diva members can lease, for example, the Botkier Holster tote--$665 if bought new--and totes by company creative director Stacey Lapidus.

From Time Magazine Archive

Fireman Henry Holster, father of four children, was killed.

From Time Magazine Archive

On the way to The Enormous Room the Black Holster said to me sharply: "Vous allez partir?"

From The Enormous Room by Cummings, E. E. (Edward Estlin)

Each time, the Black Holster appeared in the background and carried on his master's bullying until everyone was completely terrified—after which we were left to ourselves and the Wooden Hand once again.

From The Enormous Room by Cummings, E. E. (Edward Estlin)