horse-pistol

9.9

A large pistol carried by soldiers on horses in the past

noun
/ˈhɔrsˌpɪstəl/

Archaic

: pistola de caballería

In the 18th century, a horse-pistol was essential for cavalry.

Examples

The soldier drew his horse-pistol from its leather holster before charging into battle.
The novel described the highwayman's horse-pistol shining in the moonlight as he blocked the road.
Antique collectors often seek out a well-preserved horse-pistol as a centerpiece for their collections.
The soldier drew his horse-pistol during the battle.
The soldier drew his horse-pistol from its leather holster before charging into battle.
Antique collectors often seek out a well-preserved horse-pistol as a centerpiece for their collections.
In the 18th century, a horse-pistol was essential for cavalry.

Synonyms

pistol

vshorse-pistol

268 2.1

A small gun you hold and fire with one hand

is larger and carried by mounted soldiers in holsters historically

sidearm

vshorse-pistol

20 4.6

A small gun carried at a person's side for protection

is carried by mounted soldiers in holsters and is larger and historical

pistole

vshorse-pistol

Archaic

9.9

A small gun that often appears in old stories

is a large physical weapon used by mounted soldiers rather than an archaic term

musketoon

vshorse-pistol

Archaic

9.9

A short heavy gun used at close range in the past, often by sailors or cavalry

is one handed and holstered by mounted soldiers rather than a short shoulder firearm

Surface Forms

horse-pistol singular

horse-pistols plural

Morphology

horse-pistol = horse + pistol (transparent) = horse + pistol

Meaning is directly derived from 'horse' + 'pistol': a pistol associated with or carried by horsemen.

Etymology

Horse-pistol is made of two words, horse and pistol, and pistol means 'small gun'. It was the pistol kept by a rider on horseback, so thinking of a gun at a horseman's side helps you remember its meaning.