The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Pistol \Pis"tol\, n. [F. pistole, pistolet, It. pistola; prob.
   from a form Pistola, for Pistoja, a town in Italy where
   pistols were first made. Cf. Pistole.]
   The smallest firearm used, intended to be fired from one
   hand, -- now of many patterns, and bearing a great variety of
   names. See Illust. of Revolver.
   [1913 Webster]

   Pistol carbine, a firearm with a removable but-piece, and
      thus capable of being used either as a pistol or a
      carbine.

   Pistol pipe (Metal.), a pipe in which the blast for a
      furnace is heated, resembling a pistol in form.

   Pistol shot.
   (a) The discharge of a pistol.
   (b) The distance to which a pistol can propel a ball.
       [1913 Webster]