basket hilt

American  

noun

1. the basketlike hilt of a sword, foil, etc., serving to cover and protect the hand.

---

basket hilt British  

noun

1. a hilt fitted to a broadsword, with a generally padded basket-shaped guard to protect the hand

---

Other Word Forms

• basket-hilted adjective

Etymology

Origin of basket hilt

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

He had a long, odd-looking sword with a steel basket hilt, with which he signed to the men to stand here or there.

From Project Gutenberg

A small collar of the finest lawn made its appearance above the doublet; and a black-sheathed “Andrèa Ferrara,” with basket hilt, dangling from his side, and calf-skin boots, completed his costume.

From Project Gutenberg

The usual weapon amongst the students is a long two-edged sword, with a basket hilt, round which the colours of the Chore are wound.

From Project Gutenberg

The phrase referred to dismembered heads, with goatee beards emblazoned on the basket hilt.

From The Guardian

Whereupon she rose, donned her lord's buff coat and slung his basket hilt at her pretty side.

From Project Gutenberg