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cutlas

cutlas

9.9
A short heavy sword with a curved edge used by sailors
  • noun
  • /ˈkʌt.ləs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : cortaplumas
  • The pirate drew his cutlass to defend his treasure from attackers.

Examples

  • With one swift motion, he swung his cutlass to sever the ropes binding the ship's sails.

  • Sailors often kept a cutlass at their side for protection during long voyages.

  • Designated borders armed themselves with muskets, pistols, cutlasses and half Pikes.

Synonyms

sword
vscutlas
1.0

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

is narrower meaning a short heavy curved blade used at sea
cutlass
vscutlas
10 9.1

A short heavy curved sword with one cutting edge used by sailors and pirates

is the same meaning but spelled with one s missing
falchion
vscutlas
9.9

A short broad curved medieval sword with a sharp point used in Europe

is similar but tied to naval use and sailor tradition
falcata
vscutlas
9.9

A curved sword with one sharp edge that warriors in ancient Spain used for fighting

is similar but mainly linked to sailors and shipboard use
falx
vscutlas
9.9

A heavy curved blade like a large sickle used by ancient warriors

is specifically for sailors and shipboard combat rather than ancient tools

How Long

sword
1.0
broadsword
5 8.2
saber
  • US
51 7.0
cutlas
  • Archaic
9.9
dagger
103 4.4

Surface Forms

cutlas singular
cutlasses plural

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.