pistol

[ pis-tl ]

noun

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

verb (used with object)

pistoled, pistoling or (especially British) pistolled, pistolling.

1. to shoot with a pistol.

pistol

/ ˈpɪstəl /

noun

1. a short-barrelled handgun
2. hold a pistol to a person's head
   to threaten a person in order to force him to do what one wants

verb

1. tr to shoot with a pistol

Other Words From

• pistol·like 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 arrest warrant described it as a "semi-automatic pistol with what appears to be a 3D-printed loaded receiver with a metal slide and silencer".

From BBC

They are facing four charges which include being found with two pistols and ammunition, and seeking to buy weapons from foreigners in the Swiss city of Geneva, the Greek capital, Athens, and Nairobi.

From BBC

Evidence was found linking a relative of the two teenagers, a 45-year-old man, to several pistols recovered, and he was also arrested.

From Los Angeles Times

"Some carry pistols, shotguns and semi-automatic weapons to protect themselves from rival gangs of miners," it added.

From BBC

‘The Voice’ winner Sundance Head was airlifted to a Texas hospital Friday after his pistol accidentally discharged, sending a bullet into his stomach.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• firearm
• gun
• handgun
• rod