Holster Meaning
/ˈhɒlstə(ɹ)/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA case for carrying a tool, particularly a gun, safely and accessibly.
nounA belt with loops or slots for carrying small tools or other equipment.
Sentence Examples
Tom pulled his gun out of its holster.
Tom took his finger off the trigger and put his pistol back in its holster.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sheriff placed his revolver back into the leather ____ on his belt.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The police officer pulled his weapon from its leather ____ as he prepared to enter the dark building.
Word Origin & History
From Dutch holster (“pistol-case, holster”), from Middle Low German holster, from Old Saxon *holster, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *hulastrą, *hulistrą (“hull, case, covering”). Cognate with Old English heolstor (“a covering, veil, hiding-place”), Danish hylster (“pistol case, envelope”), Icelandic hulstur (“sheath”), Gothic 𐌷𐌿𐌻𐌹𐍃𐍄𐍂 (hulistr, “covering”). Compare German Halfter (“pistol case”). Related to hull, hele.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Goring, like himself, had sprang forwards, first snatching a pistol from his holsters, and discharging it at him who seemed to be the chief of the party,—the man reeled and fell; but his fall was instantly avenged."
— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter V, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume III, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 35:
"Marion Wheeler took the seat, brushing the hem of her suit jacket aside to reveal a concealed holster. "You do know I carry a gun?""
— 2023 October 22, HarryBlank, “Waiting to Happen”, in SCP Foundation, archived from the original on 23 May 2024:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The sheriff placed his revolver back into the leather ____ on his belt.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The police officer pulled his weapon from its leather ____ as he prepared to enter the dark building.