falchion

[fawl-chuhn, -shuhn]

noun

1. a broad, short sword having a convex edge curving sharply to the point.

2. Archaic.,  any sword.

falchion

/ ˈfɔːlʃən, ˈfɔːltʃən /

noun

1. a short and slightly curved medieval sword broader towards the point

2. an archaic word for sword

Word History and Origins

Origin of falchion¹

1275–1325; Middle English fauchoun (with l restored in 16th cent.) < Old French fauchon < Vulgar Latin *falciōn-, stem of falciō, derivative of Latin falx, stem falc- sickle

Word History and Origins

Origin of falchion¹

C14: from Italian falcione , from falce , from Latin falx sickle

Example Sentences

Madoc personally instructed us in the art of fighting with the cutlass and dagger, the falchion and our fists.

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Robin dropped his spear, drew his falchion in the same movement, stepped into the huddle of snarls, and calmly picked an alaunt up by the leg.

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Still she wanted resolution to give the thrust, and it was by a blow of the tribune's falchion that the horrid deed was finally accomplished.

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At All Souls, Oxford, is a carving of a warrior-visaged person wearing a morion, and armed with a falchion and buckler.

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Wide raged the battle on the plain; Spears shook, and falchions flashed amain, Fell England's arrow-flight like rain; Crests rose, and stooped, and rose again, Wild and disorderly.

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Related Words

• blade 
• dagger 
• saber