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

But it seems to me there are some two thousand of them who cry 'Vive le Roi' for half a pistole, but would cry 'Vivent nous autres' for nothing.

From St George's Cross by Keene, H. G. (Henry George)

In a few days the company set sail for Genoa, and when they had arrived there his superior intimated that they must part, at the same time thrusting a pistole into his hand.

From Legends & Romances of Spain by Spence, Lewis

A pistole now represents 10 francs, and an écu 3 francs.

From Wanderings by southern waters, eastern Aquitaine by Barker, Edward Harrison

The moidore was worth six pieces of eight, the pistole four, the johannes eight.

From Privateering and Piracy in the Colonial Period Illustrative Documents by Jameson, J. Franklin (John Franklin)

"Never mind," said his Excellency, whose whole countenance had lighted up at the thought of play; "I admire your garters—a pistole against them."

From The Youth of Jefferson A Chronicle of College Scrapes at Williamsburg, in Virginia, A.D. 1764 by Anonymous