Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PIS'TOL, n. [Fr. pistole, pistolet; It. and Sp. pistola, a pistol. This word, like piston and pestle, signifies a driver, or a canal or spout, from the same root. Class Bs.]

A small fire-arm, or the smallest fire-arm used, differing from a musket chiefly in size. Pistols are of different lengths, and borne by horsemen in cases at the saddle bow, or by a girdle. Small pistols are carried in the pocket.