curtana

/ kɜːˈtɑːnə /

noun

1. the unpointed sword carried before an English sovereign at a coronation as an emblem of mercy

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtana¹

C15: from Anglo-Latin, from Old French cortain, the name of Roland's sword, which was broken at the point, ultimately from Latin curtus short

Example Sentences

The sword of mercy, called Curtana, has a blunt tip because ... mercy.

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First, the lord Henrie, the kings eldest sonne, to whome he as in right of his duchie of Lancaster had appointed that office, claimed to beare before the king the principall Curtana.

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The Ile of Man. sword called Curtana, and had his sute granted.

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The Royal Swords Are named, Curtana, or the Sword of Mercy; the Sword of Justice to the Spirituality; the Sword of Justice to the Temporality; and the Sword of State.

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Curtana, borne bythe Duke ofNewcastle.

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Related Words

• blade 
• dagger 
• saber