halberd

[ hal-berd, hawl-, hol-; formerly haw-berd ]

noun

1. a shafted weapon with an axlike cutting blade, beak, and apical spike, used especially in the 15th and 16th centuries.

halberd

/ ˈhælbət; ˈhælbəd /

noun

1. a weapon consisting of a long shaft with an axe blade and a pick, topped by a spearhead: used in 15th- and 16th-century warfare

Derived Forms

• ˌhalberˈdier, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of halberd¹

1485–95; earlier haubert < Middle French hallebarde < Middle Low German helmbarde, equivalent to helm handle (cognate with helm ¹ ) + barde broadax (cognate with Middle High German barte )

Word History and Origins

Origin of halberd¹

C15: from Old French hallebarde, from Middle High German helm handle, helm ¹+ barde axe, from Old High German bart beard

Example Sentences

The halberd fern gene protected the cotton from whiteflies and other sucking pests, and Singh has now isolated other fern compounds that deter chewing insects, such as caterpillars.

From Science Magazine

The halberd’s a weapon of yore, An ax with a spike at the fore.

From Washington Post

Two soldiers with halberds came first and took their stand at each side of the entry.

From Literature

The House of Delegates was in full history mode, with four honor guards from Jamestown in Colonial armor — red plumes on their helmets, halberds in hand.

From Washington Post

Two swords, and not a personal armory of spears and halberds.

From Literature

Related Words

• bayonet