Word of the Week - HALBERD

Today's word – HALBERD

Pronunciation – HAL-bird

Word type - noun

Definition – a medieval spear with an axe-like blade

Word origin-
The word 'halberd' is derived from the German words, halm (staff) and barte (axe). From the word family, halberdier (noun), which is a soldier armed with a halberd. This was a lethal weapon used during the Middle Ages. It had a hook or thorn on the back side of the axe blade for grappling enemy knights on horseback.

Quirky facts -

* The halberd is still the ceremonial weapon of the Swiss Guard in the Vatican.

Sample sentence - The knight used his halberd to unseat the enemy soldier from his horse.

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