What is "pistol carbine"

Pistol \Pis"tol\, n. [F. pistole, pistolet, It. pistola; prob. from a form Pistola, for Pistoja, a town in Italy where pistols were first made. Cf. Pistole.] The smallest firearm used, intended to be fired from one hand, -- now of many patterns, and bearing a great variety of names. See Illust. of Revolver. Pistol carbine, a firearm with a removable but-piece, and thus capable of being used either as a pistol or a carbine. Pistol pipe (Metal.), a pipe in which the blast for a furnace is heated, resembling a pistol in form. Pistol shot.

1. The discharge of a pistol.

2. The distance to which a pistol can propel a ball.