Definition of "horse-pistol" [horse-pistol]

• A pistol of large caliber, formerly carried in holsters by dragoons and other horsemen. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "YooperJack; Forget that old 1911 horse-pistol Get yourself a Glock 21 in 45ACP."
• "This presented an opportunity for gaining results which all thought should not be lost, so our guide, an Indian named "Cut-mouth John," seized upon it, and giving hot chase, soon, overtook the poor creature, whom he speedily killed without much danger to himself, for the fugitive was armed with only an old Hudson's Bay flint-lock horse-pistol which could not be discharged."
• "In my belt, I had a heavy horse-pistol, loaded with buck-shot."