English Explanatory Dictionary

halberd

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  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.

Pronunciation

/ˈhæl.bɚd/ /ˈhɔl.bɚd/ /ˈhɑl.bɚd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vininn126-halberd.wav /ˈhælbəd/ /ˈhælbɜːd/

Word forms

halberd halberds halbert halbard

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."

Related words

twibill Swiss voulge voulge

Derived words

halberded halberd fern halberdier halberdman halberdsman halberd willow
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