main gauche

[ French man gohsh ]

noun

1. a dagger of the 16th and 17th centuries, held in the left hand in dueling and used to parry the sword of an opponent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main gauche¹

< French: literally, left hand

Example Sentences

The brother-in-law, � la main gauche, of that Brother of Dragons, Richard Wagner, Von B�low was hardly appreciated during his first visit to America in 1876-77.

From Project Gutenberg

The rise of duelling produced another type, called the main gauche, which was a parrying weapon and often had a toothed edge on which the adversary’s sword was caught and broken.

From Project Gutenberg

In France among queens—de la main gauche—she had in charm but one predecessor, Agnes Sorel, and but one superior, La Vallière.

From Project Gutenberg

Lireux was more fortunate with several other pieces, notably with that of L�on Gozlan, known to students of the French drama as "La Main Droite et la Main Gauche," but which originally bore the title of "Il �tait une Fois un Roi et une Reine."

From Project Gutenberg

After "La Main Droite et la Main Gauche," came Hal�vy's opera of "Charles VI."

From Project Gutenberg