Hand-and-a-half sword | Highland Dirk | Targe | Stiletto | Saracen Blade/Scimitar | Pennon | Baldric | Weapon Glossary Terms
(I tried putting these weapons in alphabetical order, but it gave me too many headaches.)
Battle Axe
Battle axe is a generic term for a fighting axe,
especially a European fighting axe. Battle axes are essentially
larger versions of simple axes and are usually two-handed
and double-headed. The term battle axe applies only
to axes of war. The increased weight and blade size
of the battle axe made it even more effective for
slashing, chopping, and crushing armor than the simple
axe; however, greater skill and strength were required
to use a battle axe effectively and thus it was not a common weapon. Most
medieval European battle axes had broad, socketed heads (meaning the axe
head and the haft fit together, rather than were lashed
together), and used
reinforcement bands along the haft to prevent the haft
from snapping during battle.
Source: http://members.aol.com/dargolyt/TheForge/ALFAMAIN.HTM
The targe, or target, was the traditional Scottish round
shield (square versions existed but were rare). The shield was generally
made of wood and covered in leather, but later versions combined steel
with wood. The targe was almost always embossed or decorated with brass
studs and bosses. Rarely more than 20 inches in diameter, its primary function
was to parry an opponent’s attack rather than completely shield the body.
The targe was used most often in conjunction with a broadsword or other
one-handed weapon. It was very similar in use and function to a buckler.
Source: http://members.aol.com/dargolyt/TheForge/ALFAMAIN.HTM
The
stiletto was a European thrusting dagger first developed in Italy. The
entire weapon was usually forged of a single piece of steel. The blade
was long, narrow, and triangular or rectangular sectioned without a cutting
edge. Adept at inflicting deep puncture wounds and even piercing light
armor, the stiletto was a popular secondary weapon for soldiers and citizens
alike. The stiletto was particularly popular among assassins because of
its narrow width and ease of concealment.
Source: http://members.aol.com/dargolyt/TheForge/ALFAMAIN.HTM
The deeply curved slashing blade of the Scimitar (038-PP) recalls battles between the Saracen and Crusader. The hardwood grips and hawksbill pommel are typical of the originals. (ed: sexy, isn't it?)
http://www.casiberia.com/medieval.html
This was placed in such a position -- at right angles to the lance -- that
it could be deciphered when the lance was "at charge". The pennon was frequently
surrounded by a narrow gold or coloured fringe.
Source: http://www.swordsofhonor.com/swordbaldric.html
Basilard a medieval dagger having a tapering blade with straight transverse quillons and a T-shaped pommel. Source [4]
Battle Axe essentially larger version of simple axes and are usually two-handed and double-headed Source [18]
Broadsword a large heavy sword with a broad blade for cutting rather than thrusting Source: [2]
Dirk Scottish dagger Source [4]
Great sword Term for a sword that was sufficiently long and heavy
that it required two hands. Usually designed for cutting, but later also
modified for thrusting into the gaps of plate armor.
Source: [1]
Hand-and-a-half sword a term used to describe a sword wielded by one or both hands. Source: [12]
Hilt The lower portion of a sword consisting of the cross-guard, handle/grip, and pommel (most Medieval swords have a straight cross or cruciform-hilt). Source [5]
Lance a long wooden shaft with a pointed metal head, used as a weapon by knights and cavalry soldiers in charging. Source [4]
Longsword A sword that had the length of a greatsword, but which could be used in either one or two hands. Alternately called a "bastard sword" or "hand and a half sword." Source: [1]
Pike a shafted weapon having a pointed head, formerly used by infantry Source [4]
Quarterstaff a long stout staff formerly used as a weapon and wielded with one hand in the middle and the other between the middle and the end. Source: [2]
Quillions A term for the two cross-guards (forward and back) whether straight or curved. It is likely from an old French or Latin term for a reed. On Medieval swords the cross guard may be called simply the "cross", or just the "guard". Source [5]
Recurve bow A bow where the limbs bend away from the archer when held in the firing position. Source: [2]
Targe a light shield used especially by the Scots Source: [2]
[1] Department
of Medieval Studies at Central European University, Budapest.
[2] Britannica.com
[3] The
Arador Armour Library
[4] Infoplease.com
[5] Historical
Weapons
[12] Arms and Armor of the Medieval Knight:
An Illustrated History of Weapons in the Middle Ages by David Edge
& John Miles Paddock / Crescent Books
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