halberd

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

(1495) Middle French hallebarde, from Italian alabarda, from Middle High German helmbarte (“broad-axe with handle”), from halm, from Proto-Germanic *helmô (“handle”) + barte (“hatchet”), from *bardaz (“broadax”), literally "beard."

an assortment of halberds

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈhæl.bɚd/, /ˈhɔl.bɚd/, /ˈhɑl.bɚd/
    • Audio (US):(file)
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhælbəd/, /ˈhælbɜːd/

Noun

halberd (plural halberds)

  1. A two-handed pole weapon, consisting of a long pole with an axe-like blade mounted on it (at a right angle like an axe, not on the tip like a spear), and (opposite the blade) typically a spike or hook.

Derived terms

Translations

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References

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