Word Study
holster
CIDE DICTIONARY
holster, n. [D. holster; skin to AS. heolstor den, cave, fr. helan to conceal, and to Icel. hulstr case, Goth. hulistr covering, veil, huljan to cover. Hele to cover, Hell, and cf. Housing, Houss.].
A leather case for a pistol, carried by a horseman at the bow of his saddle, or worn on the person suspended from a belt or shoulder strap. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
holster, n. a leather case for a pistol or revolver, worn on a belt or under an arm or fixed to a saddle.
Etymology
17th c., synonymous with Du. holster: orig. unkn.
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