Pistol (noun)

1. A small handheld firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
2. A gun, typically one that is small and easily portable.

Origin:

From old french pistolet, from italian pistola, from pistole, from pistellare ("to strike, hit"), from latin pistillum ("hammer").

Examples:

1. He pulled out a pistol and pointed it at the robber.
2. The police officer carried a pistol as part of his standard equipment.
3. The soldier was armed with a pistol and a rifle.
4. The pistol was a popular sidearm in the old western movies.
5. The criminal was caught with a pistol in his possession.