French word

pistole

Pronunciation

IPA/pistɔl/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpistole

Example

La pistole exposée date du XVIIe siècle.

The pistole on display dates from the 17th century.

Illustration for pistole (pistole)

More examples

Au marché aux puces, j'ai trouvé une pistole.

At the flea market, I found an old gold coin.

Core concept

An old gold coin resting in a museum display case, identified by a numismatic label.

Similar words

pièce: A metal coin used for everyday purchases.
monnaie: Currency used for making payments.
pistolet: A small gun designed to be held and fired with one hand.

Definition in French

Terme historique désignant une pièce d'or ancienne, fréquent dans les textes numismatiques et les collections.

Word origin

French pistole is a borrowing from Italian or Spanish pistola, a term that also designated a gold coin in historical usage.

Usage tips

  • Pistole is feminine, so standard phrasing uses une pistole and la pistole rather than an incorrectly masculine article.

Opposites

Word lists with this word