poniard

[pon-yerd]

noun

1. a small, slender dagger.

verb (used with object)

1. to stab with a poniard.

poniard

/ ˈpɒnjəd /

noun

1. a small dagger with a slender blade

verb

1. (tr) to stab with a poniard

Word History and Origins

Origin of poniard¹

1580–90; < French poignard, derivative of poing fist < Latin pugnus; -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of poniard¹

C16: from Old French poignard dagger, from poing fist, from Latin pugnus; related to Latin pugnāre to fight

Example Sentences

Throughout, the filtering of bygone times through impish anachronism — complete with droll references that might do an AP History exam proud — gives “Six” the sheen of a polished poniard.

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He stooped coolly, and, after groping some time for the poniard, drew it from the leaves among which it had fallen.

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What is this mysterious essence which the wasp carries in its poniard?

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Endicott had then cut the cross from the standard of England with his poniard; and Charles II. had been humbled in the persons of his commissioners.

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He made a futile attempt to ward with his poniard, but it fell from his grasp.

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Related Words

• bayonet 
• blade 
• sword