PISTOLA. A Papal gold coin of the sterling value of 13s. 11d.
PISTOLE. A Spanish gold coin, value 16s. 6d. sterling.
PISTOLET. This name was applied both to a small pistol and a Spanish pistole.
PISTOLIERS. A name for the heavy cavalry, temp. Jac. I.
PISTOL-PROOF. A term for the point of courage for which a man was elected captain by pirates.
PISTON. In the marine steam-engine, a metal disc fitting the bore of the cylinder, and made to slide up and down within it easily, in order, by its reciprocating movement, to communicate motion to the engine.
PISTON-ROD. A rod which is firmly fixed in the piston by a key driven through both.
PIT. In the dockyards. See [Saw-pit].
PITCH. Tar and coarse resin boiled to a fluid yet tenacious consistence. It is used in a hot state with oakum in caulking the ship to fill the chinks or intervals between her planks. Also, in steam navigation, the distance between two contiguous threads of the screw-propeller, is termed the pitch. Also, in gunnery, the throw of the shot.—To pitch, to plant or set, as tents, pavements, pitched battles, &c.
PITCH-BOAT. A vessel fitted for boiling pitch in, which should be veered astern of the one being caulked.