Wiktionary
n. (context Sikhism English) A ceremonial sword that must be worn at all times by baptized Sikhs, and one of the five Ks.
WordNet
n. a ceremonial four-inch curved dagger that Sikh men are obliged to wear at all times
Wikipedia
The kirpan (; ) is a sword or knife carried by Sikhs. It is a religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 that Sikhs must wear five articles of faith at all times, the kirpan being one of five articles.
The word kirpan has two roots: the first root is kirpa, which means "mercy", "grace", "compassion" or "kindness"; the second root is aanaa, which in turn means "honor", "grace" or "dignity".
Sikhs embody the qualities of a Sant Sipahi or "saint-soldier". One must have control over one's internal vices and be able to be constantly immersed in virtues clarified in the Guru Granth Sahib. A Sikh must also have the courage to defend the rights of all who are wrongfully oppressed or persecuted irrespective of their color, caste, or creed.
Kirpans are curved and have a single cutting edge that may be either blunt or sharp. They are often between 3 and 9 inches long, and must be made of steel or iron.
Usage examples of "kirpan".
Keeping a tight grip on the handle of his kirpan, now baptized in blood, he flung himself toward the fog-shrouded doorway and into the unknown.
Although he had donned the kirpan for ceremonial reasons, he now wished he could use the curved silver blade to slice the unworthy throats of the protestors.
After all, Khan, too, was armed, with his ceremonial kirpan, so it was only natural that curiosity exceeded caution in his soul.
On his belt, along with his pistol, he wore the little kirpan, the dagger all Sikhs carry.