basket hilt

American  

noun

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

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basket hilt British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• basket-hilted adjective

Etymology

Origin of basket hilt

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Jody stood overwhelmed by the thing in Gitano’s hand, a lean and lovely rapier with a golden basket hilt.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck

A broad baldric of green silk hung from his shoulder across his breast, and supported at his side a long sword with an enormous basket hilt, through which somewhat coquettishly peeped a white lace handkerchief.

From The Crusade of the Excelsior by Harte, Bret

"That is soon tried," said Vich Alister More, laying his hand upon the basket hilt of his claymore.

From A Legend of Montrose by Scott, Walter, Sir

It was a straight, one-edged blade, with a sharp point, and a brass basket hilt, and he remarked: “Señor Zuroaga, I could hit with that, I guess.”

From Ahead of the Army by Emerson, C. Chase

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 The Student-Life of Germany by Howitt, William