Shortsword
Shortsword is a
compound word neologism used for referring to a
sword shorter than the "standard" ones but yet longer than a
dagger.
*In normal use it refers to relatively short, straight-bladed swords or large, broad daggers. Examples include the
katzbalger,
gladius,
xiphos,
baselard,
cinquedea, and the U.S.
Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword.
*In
role-playing games it typically refers to a generic weapon resembling the above types.
*In
Japanese martial arts, it refers for example to a
wakizashi, a
kodachi, or a
tanto.
Short sword may be synonymous with the above, but is also an
Early Modern term referring to a
one-handed sword with a blade of moderate length (short only by comparison with a
long sword).
See also
long-sword.
