horse pistol

American  

noun

1. a large pistol formerly carried by horsemen.

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horse pistol British  

noun

1. a large holstered pistol formerly carried by horsemen

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Etymology

Origin of horse pistol

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

“I pulled out Pa’s old horse pistol and shot him dead before he could strike me again.”

From Washington Times

Suddenly one of them jumped forward and discharged two heavy horse pistols point blank at me and the captain of the schooner.

From Project Gutenberg

And of me; for when I went to ask his meaning, he shot out his great under-lip at me, and showed me the long barrel of a horse pistol that he carried under his cassock.

From Project Gutenberg

These irregular whigs, have, therefore, spent their ammunition, as profitably, as the old covenanter spent his, who fired a horse pistol against the walls of Sterling Castle.

From Project Gutenberg

I would advise Jack Hearty, as soon as he can find an opportunity to extract the bullets from his horse pistols, for depend upon it he means mischief.

From Project Gutenberg