pistole

American  

[pi-stohl] / pɪˈstoʊl /

noun

1. a former gold coin of Spain, equal to two escudos.

2. any of various former gold coins of Europe, as the louis d'or.

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pistole British  

/ pɪsˈtəʊl /

noun

1. any of various gold coins of varying value, formerly used in Europe

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Etymology

Origin of pistole

1585–95; < Middle French, back formation from pistolet the coin

Example Sentences

I was ready to give my last pistole to see you," I began; but he put up his hand, saying in a low tone, as he pointed to the door: "Hush!

From Orrain A Romance by Levett-Yeats, S.

A good horse could be bought for five pounds, and a good cow and calf for a pistole, or three dollars and sixty cents.

From History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia by Campbell, Charles

That every house should pay one pistole, which would monthly amount to 18,000 pistoles.

From Fox's Book of Martyrs Or A History of the Lives, Sufferings, and Triumphant Deaths of the Primitive Protestant Martyrs by Foxe, John

They seemed more than willing to comply; but debates presently arose concerning the fee of a pistole, which the Governor had demanded on each patent of land issued by him.

From Montcalm and Wolfe by Parkman, Francis

Clumsy muskets and fowling-pieces, as well as Arab pistole, were also handled with delight by the joyful Mussulmans.

From Lander's Travels The Travels of Richard Lander into the Interior of Africa by Huish, Robert