spatha
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈspeɪθə/
- Archaic
- Marcus wielded his spatha expertly.
Examples
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Mounted warriors in the early Middle Ages favored the spatha for its reach and cutting power.
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Archaeologists discovered a well-preserved spatha in the ruins of an ancient battlefield.
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The Roman cavalry often carried a spatha instead of the shorter gladius.
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The spatha was a common sword.
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The Roman cavalry used the spatha in battle to outmaneuver their enemies.
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In ancient times, a soldier would draw his spatha before engaging in combat.
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The skilled warrior expertly wielded his spatha during the training session.
Synonyms
5
8.2
A large heavy sword with a wide straight blade used for cutting in battle
How Long
Surface Forms
Etymology
Spatha comes from an old Greek word spathe meaning 'broad blade' or 'paddle', and it shares the same root as the kitchen word spatula. So a spatha was a long, broad sword used by soldiers on horseback because its wide blade gave more reach and cutting power.