main gauche

[ French man gohsh ]

noun

1. a dagger of the 16th and 17th centuries, held in the left hand in dueling and used to parry the sword of an opponent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main gauche¹

< French: literally, left hand

Example Sentences

The Main-gauche is also of the dagger order, but has a broad knuckle-guard and long straight quillons.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall still be a Duke, and you—la Duchesse de la main gauche.

From Project Gutenberg

Il est debout, digne, la main gauche sur la poigne de son sabre recourbe; la droite tient une masse d'armes.

From Project Gutenberg