Defn: 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.
PISTOLEER
Pis`to*leer", n. Etym: [Cf. F. pistolier.]
Defn: One who uses a pistol. [R.] Carlyle.
PISTOLET
Pis"to*let`, n. Etym: [F., a dim. of pistole.]
Defn: A small pistol. Donne. Beau. & Fl.
PISTON
Pis"ton, n. Etym: [F. piston; cf. It. pistone piston, also pestone a
large pestle; all fr. L. pinsere, pistum, to pound, to stamp. See
Pestle, Pistil.] (Mach.)
Defn: A sliding piece which either is moved by, or moves against, fluid pressure. It usually consists of a short cylinder fitting within a cylindrical vessel along which it moves, back and forth. It is used in steam engines to receive motion from the steam, and in pumps to transmit motion to a fluid; also for other purposes. Piston head (Steam Eng.), that part of a piston which is made fast to the piston rod. — Piston rod, a rod by which a piston is moved, or by which it communicates motion. — Piston valve (Steam Eng.), a slide valve, consisting of a piston, or connected pistons, working in a cylindrical case which is provided with ports that are traversed by the valve.
PISTON RING
Pis"ton ring. (Mach.)
Defn: A spring packing ring, or any of several such rings, for a piston.
PIT Pit, n. Etym: [OE. pit, put, AS. pytt a pit, hole, L. puteus a well, pit.]