E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pis’tols.
So called from Pistoja, in Tuscany, where they were invented in 1545. (Latin, pistorium.)
1
To discharge one’s pistol in the air. To fight a man of straw; to fight harmlessly in order to make up a foolish quarrel.
2
“Dr. Réyille has discharged his pistol in the air [that is, he pretends to fight against me, but discharges his shot against objections which I never made].”—W. E. Gladstone: Nineteenth Century, November, 1885.
