What is "fauchard"

n. An early European weapon consisting of a curved blade on a long pole

A fauchard is a type of polearm weapon, which was used in medieval Europe from the 11th through the 14th centuries. The design consisted of a curved blade put atop a long pole. The blade bore a moderate to strong curve along its length, however unlike a glaive the cutting edge was only on the concave side. This made the fauchard blade resemble that of a sickle or a scythe. The fauchard was often modified to include a spear point at the top, creating a fauchard-fork. Due to similar appearance a fauchard is very often erroneously referred to as a guisarme or bill-guisarme since it superficially appears to have a "hook". Over time, elements from other pole-arms were included in the fauchard, including a rear spike like those born by halberds.

Over time, fauchards became ornamental and ceremonial, growing in size until some examples were almost too heavy to carry, let alone use.