backsword

One-sided fighting blade

A backsword is a sword with a single-edged blade and a basket hilt protecting the hand.

The back of the blade—the unsharpened edge—gives the weapon its name.

Backswords were common military and dueling weapons in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The term also refers to fencing practice with wooden swords, or the stick used in such practice.

swordtype

cutlass

Curved slashing naval blade

  • hangerCloset garment support
  • sabreCurved single-edged sword
  • falchionCurved medieval cutting sword

longsword · rapier · greatsword · shortsword · tuck · singlestick · waster

anatomy

blade

Flat cutting edge

  • edgeBoundary or sharpness
  • hiltWeapon's graspable portion
  • pommelSaddle's front knob

tang · fuller · grip · basket · guard · spine · scabbard · sheath · steel · temper

fencing

parry

Defensive blade deflection

  • riposteSwift clever reply
  • lungeSudden forward movement
  • boutLimited stretch of something

thrust · guard · feint · bladework · touché · fleche · disengage · counterattack · advance · retreat

combat

duel

Prearranged one-on-one combat

cut · thrust · parry · honor · seconds · affair · bloodshed · engagement · sparring · prize

Categories
Opposites
blade edge configuration

backsworddouble-edged sword

Advantage with inherent dangers

two-edged sword · broadsword · longsword · arming sword · spatha

combat style/purpose

backswordrapier

Slender dueling blade

smallsword · épée · foil · tuck

Family

back, sword, backbone, backfire, backhand, swordsman, swordfish, broadsword, backstroke

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated PG