Crossword clues for backsword
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Backsword \Back"sword`\, n. [2d back, n. + sword.]
A sword with one sharp edge.
In England, a stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements; also, the game in which the stick is used. Also called singlestick.
--Halliwell.
Wiktionary
n. 1 A sword with one sharp edge. 2 (context UK dated English) A stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements. 3 (context UK dated English) The game in which the stick is used.
WordNet
n. a stick used instead of a sword for fencing [syn: singlestick, fencing stick]
a sword with only one cutting edge
Wikipedia
A backsword is a type of European sword characterised by having a straight single-edged blade and a hilt with a single-handed grip. It is so called because the triangular cross section gives a flat back edge opposite the cutting edge. Later examples often have a "false edge" on the back near the tip, which was in many cases sharpened to make an actual edge and facilitate thrusting attacks. From around the early 14th century the backsword became the first type of European sword to be fitted with a knuckle guard.
The term "backsword" can also refer to the singlestick, which is used to train for fighting with the backsword, or to the sport or art of fighting in this fashion.
Being easier and cheaper to make than double-edged swords, backswords became the favored sidearm of common infantry, including irregulars such as the Highland Scots, which in Scottish Gaelic were called the claidheamh cuil (back sword), after one of several terms for the distinct types of weapons they used. Backswords were often the secondary weapons of European cavalrymen beginning in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Usage examples of "backsword".
I also saw them armed with and drilled and trained in the basket-hilted backsword and the targe, such as is still in use in Eireann and Alba.
A goodly proportion of my redmen are become exceeding adept at uses of backsword and targeox-strong in the slash, serpent-fast in the thrust of point, agile of foot and adept at consummate targe work, quite dangerous and deadly, all in all.
Were it left to the most of them, indeed, they would carry no other arms than backsword, targe, and a couple of knives, but I always have their leaders make certain that each warrior also bears along a dirk and either a light axe or a war club, in addition to the bows and arrows.
Were it left to the most of them, indeed, they would carry no other arms than backsword, targe, and a couple of knives, but I always have their leaders make certain that each warrior also bears along a dirk and either a light axe or a warclub, in addition to the bows and arrows.
The backsword blurred down and caught the axman at the join of neck and shoulder, and the eyes in the dirt-smeared face went wide.
Havel drew his backsword and lifted his shield off the saddlebow, sliding his left forearm into the loops.
Bear will now demonstrate what happens when someone hits you hard with a backsword, instead of a light cut like that.
Her targe beat aside a spearhead, and then the backsword flicked out in a blurring thrust.
Havel feinted low to draw shield and attention, then attacked with a running step, backsword flashing in a looping circle.
Backswords were about a yard long, single-edged with a basket hilt to guard the hand, suited alike to a swift thrust or a solid smashing cut.