Pistol Definition

pĭstəl

pistoled, pistoling, pistolled, pistolling, pistols

noun

pistols

A handgun, especially one that is not a revolver.

American Heritage

A small firearm made to be held and fired with one hand.

Webster's New World

A rowdy or rambunctious person, especially a child.

American Heritage

Such a firearm in which the chamber is part of the barrel.

Webster's New World

A handgun, especially one that is not a revolver.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

verb

pistoled, pistoling, pistolled, pistolling

To shoot with a pistol.

Webster's New World

To shoot with a pistol.

American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Pistol

Singular:

pistol

Plural:

pistols

Probably from Middle French pistole, plausibly from German Pistole, from Czech píšťala (“firearm", literally “tube, pipe"), from piÅ¡tÄ›ti (“to whistle"), of imitative origin, related to Russian пищаль (piščál', “shepherd's pipe; harquebus"). Perhaps, however, from Middle English pistolet, from Middle French pistolet (“small firearm or small dagger"), which may be from Italian pistolese, from Pistoia (a city in Tuscany).

From Wiktionary
French pistole from German from Middle High German pischulle from Czech píšt'ala pipe, whistle, firearm from pištěti to whistle of imitative origin

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
French pistole from German from Middle High German pischulle from Czech píšt'ala pipe, whistle, firearm from pištěti to whistle of imitative origin

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition