Broadsword

The term broadsword is one of similar origin as chainmail. The term was first used in the 17th century to refer to straight bladed basket hilted swords. Later it became used to describe arming swords to distinguish them from the smaller civilian swords that were being introduced and in use.

The term now is used in the general populace to describe anything from a two-handed sword, to a longsword to a Viking sword.

The term is also popularised in roleplaying games such as Dungeons and Dragons.

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See Also:

• arming sword
• longsword
• great sword