Did you know that 'pistol' is actually Czech?

'Pistol' is a word borrowed from Czech 'pišt'ala'. The word entered the English language some time around 1570.

pistol [noun] [circa 1570]

• a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel
• handgun
• a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person

See 'pistol' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Czech.

Etymology: Middle French 'pistole' from German, from Middle High German 'pischulle' from Czech 'píšt'ala' literally, pipe, fife; akin to Czech 'pištět' to squeak

See more loan words from 1500s.