pistol grip

American  

noun

1. a handle or grip, as of a rifle or saw, shaped like the butt of a pistol.

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pistol grip British  

noun

1. 1. a handle shaped like the butt of a pistol

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pistol-grip camera

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Other Word Forms

• pistol-grip adjective

Etymology

Origin of pistol grip

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The pistol grip is useful, she said, because it allows officers to retain a Taser in their hand if someone tries to disarm them.

From Fox News • Dec. 9, 2021

The product description for that tactical pistol grip illustrates one common way sellers are able to skirt EBay’s prohibitions.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2019

“In another year, you’ll see the pistol grip plus a seat with gyroscope motion control,” he told The New York Times.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2018

Inside were two photographs: One was a .45 caliber pistol shot in profile, showing the barrel, trigger, and wooden pistol grip, into which a Jefferson nickel had been embedded.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2018

I held the pistol grip firmly for a few seconds, first in my right hand, then my left.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline