glaive

sword, glaive

noun GLEV Rare

Origin: From Old French, from Latin gladius (sword).

Usage Note

Glaive in modern French refers specifically to a large, broad double-edged sword, often in historical or heraldic contexts. In heraldry, the glaive is a common symbol of justice or military power. The word is rarely used for modern swords, where épée is the standard term. The English word 'glaive' is actually a false cognate — it refers to a polearm, not a sword.

Examples

"Le chevalier brandissait son glaive."

Natural Translation

The knight was brandishing his sword.

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