holster

/ˈhoʊlstər/

/ˈhʌʊlstə/

Other forms: holsters

The noun holster looks like holder and that's exactly what it is. Some holsters hold a single item, like a gun, and others are more like tool belts, holding many small items.

The o in holster is long, so pronounce it like this: "HOLE-ster." Originally, the word described something very specific — a leather case for a pistol. It probably comes from the Old English word heolster (earlier helustr), which means "concealment, hiding place." Today, holsters may hide what they hold, but they always keep things handy.

Definitions of holster

1. noun

   a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun
   types:

   shoulder holster

   a holster worn over your shoulder so a gun can be concealed under your jacket

   type of:

   sheath

   a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)
2. noun

   a belt with loops or slots for carrying small hand tools
   type of:

   belt

   a band to tie or buckle around the body (usually at the waist)