pistole

American  

[pi-stohl] / pɪˈstoʊl /

noun

1. a former gold coin of Spain, equal to two escudos.

2. any of various former gold coins of Europe, as the louis d'or.

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pistole British  

/ pɪsˈtəʊl /

noun

1. any of various gold coins of varying value, formerly used in Europe

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Etymology

Origin of pistole

1585–95; < Middle French, back formation from pistolet the coin

Example Sentences

M. Rose assured him that he had put in his pistole.

From The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun; containing a collection of over one thousand of the most laughable sayings and jokes of celebrated wits and humorists. by Various

Yes, there is a poor wretch farther down nursing his arm and grumbling frightfully at his own clumsiness; but I threw him a pistole or two to buy some ointment.

From My Sword's My Fortune A Story of Old France by Hayens, Herbert

But it seems to me there are some two thousand of them who cry 'Vive le Roi' for half a pistole, but would cry 'Vivent nous autres' for nothing.

From St George's Cross by Keene, H. G. (Henry George)

And, peste! the only woman there worth a pistole has turned out the vilest of creatures.

From In the Day of Adversity by Bloundelle-Burton, John

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