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

See Examples For:

basket hilt

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

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 The Abbess Of Vlaye by Weyman, Stanley J.

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

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

I took down a long straight blade, like a rapier, with a basket hilt.

From Romance by Conrad, Joseph