cutlas
- noun
- /ˈkʌt.ləs/
- Archaic
- The pirate drew his cutlass to defend his treasure from attackers.
Examples
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With one swift motion, he swung his cutlass to sever the ropes binding the ship's sails.
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Sailors often kept a cutlass at their side for protection during long voyages.
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Designated borders armed themselves with muskets, pistols, cutlasses and half Pikes.
Synonyms
A long metal weapon with a handle used for cutting or stabbing
A short heavy curved sword with one cutting edge used by sailors and pirates
A short broad curved medieval sword with a sharp point used in Europe
A curved sword with one sharp edge that warriors in ancient Spain used for fighting
A heavy curved blade like a large sickle used by ancient warriors
How Long
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word cutlas comes from the French coutelas, which meant a 'large knife', and sailors used it as a short heavy sword. A helpful way to remember it is to notice the cut at the start, because a cutlas was made for 'cutting' in close fights on ships.