PIRAMIDES de feu, Fr. See Jets de Feu.
PIRATE, Fr. a pirate.
PISTE, Fr. the track or tread a horseman makes upon the ground he goes over.
PISTOL, a species of small fire-arms, of which there are various sorts and sizes, viz.
Highland PISTOL. The old Highland pistol appears singular enough in the present day. Some that have been preserved, exhibit marks of excellent workmanship. The stock is metal, and the but end so shaped, that when fired off, the pistol can be used as a very serious weapon at close quarters. The Highland pistol, though never used by any of the British regiments, is still worn by every person who wishes to be considered as fully dressed and accoutred in the ancient garb. It is suspended from the left side of the waistbelt.
Horse-Pistol, so called from being used on horseback, and of a large size.
Management of the Pistol on horseback for military purposes. Every recruit when he joins the horse-drill should be made perfectly acquainted with the handling of his pistols according to rule, and of firing correctly at a mark. To this end he must be taught to draw, load, fire, and return his pistol, by word of command, viz.
1st. The right glove is to be taken off, and the goat-skin thrown back.
Draw right Pistol. This is done at two motions; 1st, the man must seize the handle of the pistol with his right hand, the back towards the body. 2d, Draw it out of the holster with a brisk motion, dropping the butt of the pistol on the right holster, and keeping the muzzle upwards.
Load Pistol. The pistol is to be dropped smartly into the left hand; open the pan, prime, cast about, and load; as soon as loaded, seize the pistol by the butt, and come to the same position as in the second motion in drawing; the bridle hand must be kept as steady as possible. In loading the pistol, the barrel is to be kept to the front.