Word Study
pistole
CIDE DICTIONARY
pistole, 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. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
pistole, n. hist. a foreign (esp. Spanish) gold coin.
Etymology
F pistole abbr. of pistolet, of uncert. orig.
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