n. [ F. pistole, pistolet, It. pistola; prob. from a form Pistola, for Pistoja, a town in Italy where pistols were first made. Cf. Pistole. ] The smallest firearm used, intended to be fired from one hand, -- now of many patterns, and bearing a great variety of names. See Illust. of Revolver. [ 1913 Webster ]

Pistol carbine, a firearm with a removable but-piece, and thus capable of being used either as a pistol or a carbine. --
Pistol pipe (Metal.), a pipe in which the blast for a furnace is heated, resembling a pistol in form. --
Pistol shot. (a) The discharge of a pistol. (b) The distance to which a pistol can propel a ball. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Pistoled p. pr. & vb. n. Pistoling. ] [ Cf. F. pistoler. ] To shoot with a pistol. “To pistol a poacher.” Sydney Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ] A pistol shot. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., probably a name given in jest in France to a Spanish coin. Cf. Pistol. ] The name of certain gold coins of various values formerly coined in some countries of Europe. In Spain it was equivalent to a quarter doubloon, or about $3.90, and in Germany and Italy nearly the same. There was an old Italian pistole worth about $5.40. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. pistolier. ] One who uses a pistol. [ R. ] Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., a dim. of pistole. ] A small pistol. Donne. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]