Pistol meaning : A handgun, typically with a chamber integrated in the barrel, a semi-automatic action and a box magazine. The mechanical component of a fuse in a bomb or torpedo responsible for firing the detonator. A creative and unpredictable jokester, a constant source of entertainment and surprises. A small boy who is bright, alert and very active. An offensive formation in which the quarterback receives the snap at a distance behind the center, but closer than in a shotgun formation, with a running back lined up behind him. To shoot (at) a target with a pistol.