Pis*tole" (?), 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.
© Webster 1913.