Pistol

n. [Fr. pistole, pistolet, It. & Sp. pistola, Ger. pistole, from Pistoja, O. It. Pistola, a town in Italy where pistols were first made.] A small fire-arm, or the smallest fire-arm used, intended to be fired from one hand, differing from a musket chiefly in size. Pistols were introduced into England in the year 1521.

Pistol-carbine, a fire-arm with a movable butt-piece, so that it may be used either as a pistol or a carbine.