pistole
Americannoun
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a former gold coin of Spain, equal to two escudos.
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any of various former gold coins of Europe, as the louis d'or.
noun
Etymology
Origin of pistole
1585–95; < Middle French, back formation from pistolet the coin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Only a penny, sir!" she said, motioning back a pistole which Mr. Jack Denis held out gaily.
From The Youth of Jefferson A Chronicle of College Scrapes at Williamsburg, in Virginia, A.D. 1764 by Anonymous
In a few days the company set sail for Genoa, and when they had arrived there his superior intimated that they must part, at the same time thrusting a pistole into his hand.
From Legends & Romances of Spain by Spence, Lewis
There were moneys of various nations, even to the Spanish pistole and Turkish bezant.
From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John
Of gold pieces there were the johannes, or joe, the doubloon, the moidore, and pistole, with English and French guineas, carolins, ducats, and chequins.
From The Critical Period of American History by Fiske, John
M. Rose assured him that he had put in his pistole.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
