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broadsword

broadsword

5 8.2
A large heavy sword with a wide straight blade used for cutting in battle
  • noun
  • /ˈbrɔːdˌsɔrd/
translation icon : espada ancha
  • The knight drew his broadsword to defend himself against the incoming attack.
  • broadsword swings
  • draw the broadsword
  • hold a broadsword

Examples

  • Two of Arthur's armored horsemen unsheathe their broadswords and gallop after Ash.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Fangs rushed toward Arthur, who raised his broadsword in defense.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • In her hands, it became a great broadsword with a shiny steel blade.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Could you show me the way to maneuver a broadsword?

  • Well, has this Bryant also taught you how to handle yourself with a broadsword?

  • Where the broadsword fails, the dagger may succeed.

  • Wallace draws his broadsword and leads his swordsmen out onto the field, attacking the knights that are still alive.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Wallace fights with new vengeance, swinging the double-edged broadsword with deadly accuracy.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Chieftains and better-armed warriors would also carry a broadsword, the favorite weapon of the Germanic noble warrior.

    Blog text (15)
  • Some swung broadswords; others, maces or battle-axes; some were jousters riding armored steeds.

    Fiction book (1996)

Synonyms

sword
vsbroadsword
1.0

A long metal weapon with a handle used for cutting or stabbing

is a specific large weapon made for cutting with a wide straight blade

How Big

claymore
  • Archaic
1 9.9
broadsword
5 8.2
sword
1.0
dagger
103 4.4

Surface Forms

broadsword singular
broadswords plural

Morphology

broadsword = broad + sword (transparent) = broad + sword

The meaning is a straightforward combination: a sword that is broad (wide) rather than narrow.

Etymology

Broadsword joins broad ('wide') and sword ('a weapon'). Think of a big, wide blade made for 'cutting' across an opponent rather than 'stabbing', so a broadsword is a large sword with a wide, straight blade built for cutting.