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Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
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pistole
SYLLABICATION: pis·tole
PRONUNCIATION: p-stol
NOUN: 1. A gold coin equal to two escudos, formerly used in Spain. 2. Any of several gold coins used in various European countries until the late 19th century.
ETYMOLOGY: French, back-formation from pistolet, diminutive of pistole, pistol. See pistol.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. http://www.bartleby.com/61/18/P0331800.html
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OED:
A name formerly applied to certain foreign gold coins; ... spec., from c1600, given to a Spanish gold coin worth from 16s. 6d. to 18s.; also applied (after French) to the louis d'or of Louis XIII, issued in 1640...
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OED etymology:
from French pistole the coin, app. shortened from pistolet. The coin was not known by any corresponding name in Spain or Italy.