DisputedOrigin is disputed
pistol
noun · first attested 16th century
The handgun's name may come from Pistoia, or from a Czech word for a pipe.
A small firearm designed for one hand.
Record
- Relationship
- Origin is disputed
- Confidence
- DisputedCompeting explanations remain live.
- Attested
- 16th century
- Part of speech
- noun
Explanations here are written for this atlas. Dictionary text is not copied; the sources are linked so the claim can be checked.
- Step 1
Pistoia
- In English
pistol
One account traces it to Pistoia's gunsmiths, another to Czech pišťala, a pipe or whistle. Both routes are argued and neither is settled.
Also pinned to Pistoia
1 more from the same place
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