DUELLING PISTOL Meaning and
Definition
-
A duelling pistol is a type of firearm specifically designed and used in duels, a traditional form of combat between two individuals. This weapon gained popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among the European nobility.
A duelling pistol typically has a smoothbore, single-shot design, with a short barrel and a flintlock or percussion lock mechanism. The barrel length would commonly measure around 8-12 inches, ensuring accuracy and ease of aiming at relatively close range. These pistols were usually manufactured from high-quality materials such as steel, often ornamented with intricate engravings and elegant designs.
The purpose of a duelling pistol was to engage in formalized duels, where adversaries would stand at a predetermined distance and take turns firing at each other. The duel's objective was often to resolve a personal dispute or to defend one's honor, rather than to inflict fatal injuries. Therefore, these pistols were designed to strike opponents with precision, rather than delivering fatal wounds.
Due to their specialized nature, duelling pistols were not commonly used for self-defense or military purposes, but were instead reserved for formal duelling events. Over time, regulations and laws surrounding duelling gradually diminished, leading to the decline in popularity of duelling pistols.
Today, duelling pistols are esteemed relics of history and prized collectibles, appreciated for their craftsmanship and association with an era known for its culture of honor and duelling.
Common Misspellings for DUELLING PISTOL
- suelling pistol
- xuelling pistol
- cuelling pistol
- fuelling pistol
- ruelling pistol
- euelling pistol
- dyelling pistol
- dhelling pistol
- djelling pistol
- dielling pistol
- d8elling pistol
- d7elling pistol
- duwlling pistol
- duslling pistol
- dudlling pistol
- durlling pistol
- du4lling pistol
- du3lling pistol
- duekling pistol
- duepling pistol
Etymology of DUELLING PISTOL
The word "duelling pistol" has a fairly straightforward etymology.
The term "duelling" refers to the act of engaging in a formal combat between two individuals, often to settle a dispute or defend honor. The practice of dueling was particularly prevalent during the 17th to 19th centuries. The word "duelling" itself comes from the Old French word "duel" or "duellum", meaning "a contest" or "a combat".
The term "pistol" refers to a small firearm that is handheld and fired by one hand. The word "pistol" originated from the Czech word "píšťala", which referred to a pipe or tube-shaped musical instrument. Over time, it came to denote a type of firearm.
So, when we combine the terms "duelling" and "pistol", it simply refers to a specific type of firearm that was used in duels.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
