BASELARD Meaning and
Definition
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A baselard is a type of medieval dagger that originated in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is characterized by its double-edged blade, usually around 12 to 18 inches in length, and a distinctive handle with a simple crossguard and a unique hilt design.
The term "baselard" is derived from the original German word "baslard," which means "long dagger" or "short sword." It was commonly used as a personal defense weapon and a sidearm by various social classes, including knights, nobles, and wealthy citizens. The baselard was particularly popular among the Swiss and German mercenary soldiers during the late Middle Ages.
The design and construction of the baselard varied over time and across regions, but most examples featured a sturdy blade able to deliver lethal thrusts and cuts efficiently. The handle could be made of wood, bone, or metal, and in some cases, it featured intricate decorative elements. Its crossguard was mainly designed to protect the user's hand during combat, and the hilt’s shape allowed for a secure grip.
Today, the baselard is primarily known for its historical significance and can be found in various museum collections and antique weapon enthusiasts' collections. While no longer in active use, it serves as a symbol of the weapons used during the late medieval period and provides insight into the craftsmanship and combat techniques of the time.
Common Misspellings for BASELARD
- vaselard
- naselard
- haselard
- gaselard
- bzselard
- bsselard
- bwselard
- bqselard
- baaelard
- bazelard
- baxelard
- badelard
- baeelard
- bawelard
- baswlard
- basslard
- basdlard
- basrlard
- bas4lard
Etymology of BASELARD
The word "Baselard" has a fascinating etymology. It originated from the Middle French word "basleret", which referred to a type of short sword or dagger. The Middle French term is itself derived from the Old French word "baslar", meaning "low", and the Germanic element "hard", meaning "knife" or "blade". Thus, "baselard" can be broken down to "bas" (low) + "hard" (knife/blade). This type of dagger was known for its distinctive shape – a slender blade with a crossguard, which gradually widened towards the hilt. The term "baselard" dates back to the 14th century and was widely used during the medieval period.
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