broad sword

Noun

broadsword (plural broadswords)

1. A type of early modern sword that has a broad double-edged blade for cutting (as opposed to the more slender thrust-oriented rapier) and typically a basket hilt.
   • The principal distinction between the broadsword and the rapier is, that the latter is formed only for thrusting, while the former is adapted for cutting also. Indeed, those who use the broadsword are, in my opinion, too apt to neglect the use of the point, and to give their attention almost...1861, John George Wood, Athletic Sports and Recreations for Boys, page 93
2. A person armed with such a sword.
3. (colloquial, often) Synonym of longsword.
   • The Brythunian's arm drew back; the ancient broadsword with its strange, clawed quillons arcked spinning through the air.1990, Robert Jordan, “Conan the Magnificent”, in The Conan Chronicles II, published 1997

   Synonyms:

   longsword

4. A flat, rectangular bread made from corn (maize) and beans by the Cherokee, traditionally by boiling rather than baking it.
   • Cherokee "broadswords" and "dog-heads," or Iroquois wedding breads (paired like dumbbells) might be eaten and described by visitors, but apparently were not adapted by colonial farmers other than a few intermarried pioneers.2007 May 1, Andrew F. Smith, The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, Oxford University Press, →ISBN

See all 5 meanings of broadsword