backsword

[ bak-sawrd, -sohrd ]
/ ˈbækˌsɔrd, -ˌsoʊrd /

noun

a sword with only one sharp edge; broadsword.
(formerly) a cudgel having a basket hilt, used in fencing exhibitions.

Origin of backsword

First recorded in 1590–1600; back1 + sword

Example sentences from the Web for backsword

  • My backsword play hath been thought well of by stout men of war.

    Micah Clarke |Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Backsword play: the game of single-stick, or fencing with cudgels.

    Tom Brown at Rugby |Thomas Hughes

British Dictionary definitions for backsword

backsword
/ (ˈbækˌsɔːd) /

noun

another name for broadsword
Also called: backswordsman a person who uses the backsword
a fencing stick with a basket-like protective hilt