pistol
UK[ˈpɪstl]US[ˈpɪstl]
n
a small gun that is held in one hand
Etymology
the word 'pistol' entered english in the mid-16th century from the french 'pistole'. its earlier history is complex and debated. one prominent theory traces it to the czech 'píšťala', meaning 'pipe' or 'whistle', a term for an early firearm used by hussite soldiers in the 15th century. from there, it likely passed into german as 'pitschale' or 'pistole' and then into other european languages. the name reflects the weapon's tubular shape, drawing a direct comparison to a pipe or flute. over time, the term became standardized across europe for a handheld firearm, shedding its original literal meaning while retaining its core referent.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
the officer drew her pistol from its holster.
the antique pistol was displayed in a glass case.
he was licensed to carry a concealed pistol for personal protection.