poniard

[ pon-yerd ]

noun

1. a small, slender dagger.

verb (used with object)

1. to stab with a poniard.

poniard

/ ˈpɒnjəd /

noun

1. a small dagger with a slender blade

verb

1. tr to stab with a poniard

Word History and Origins

Origin of poniard¹

1580–90; < French poignard, derivative of poing fist < Latin pugnus; -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of poniard¹

C16: from Old French poignard dagger, from poing fist, from Latin pugnus; related to Latin pugnāre to fight

Example Sentences

Already her hand approached the poniard on the table, when suddenly her ear caught an unusual noise in the turret.

From Project Gutenberg

It suddenly occurred to the soldier that to kill this savage princess with one blow he must poniard her in the throat.

From Project Gutenberg

But this comes of old fashions, and of wearing a long Liddesdale whinger instead of a poniard of Parma.

From Project Gutenberg

She had been protected by some (p. 140) portions of her dress which had turned the poniard aside.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes she presented the poniard to one person's breast, sometimes to another's, and oftentimes seemed to strike her own.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• sword