halberd

== English == === Alternative forms === halbert, halbard === Etymology === (1495) Middle French hallebarde, from Italian alabarda, from Middle High German helmbarte (“broad-axe with handle”), from halm, from Proto-Germanic *helmô (“handle”) + barte (“hatchet”), from *bardaz (“broadax”), literally "beard." === Pronunciation === (US) IPA(key): /ˈhæl.bɚd/, /ˈhɔl.bɚd/, /ˈhɑl.bɚd/ (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhælbəd/, /ˈhælbɜːd/ === Noun === halberd (plural halberds) A two-handed pole weapon, consisting of a long pole with an axe-like blade mounted on it (at a right angle like an axe, not on the tip like a spear), and (opposite the blade) typically a spike or hook. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === twibill Swiss voulge, voulge === References === James A. H. Murray et al., editors (1884–1928), “Halberd”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC. “halberd”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present. “halberd”, in Collins English Dictionary.