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DictionarycutlassShort curved sword
noun

cutlass

KUT-lus/ˈkʌtləs/

A short curved sword traditionally used by sailors and pirates.

The museum displays a sailor's cutlass with a short, curved blade.

A single cutlass shown in clear side profile, with a short, broad, gently curved blade, one sharpened convex edge, a thick blunt spine, and a protective knuckle guard.
Etymology
cutlassFrenchshort sword, large knife

French coutelas referred to a short sword or large knife. The English sense retains that knife-like profile: a broad, slightly curved blade used more for cutting than thrusting.

In context

Libranima428:41
did not mark thee per signum crucis with a cutlass.
Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 3 of 4

More examples

  • The pirate drew his cutlass as the enemy ship approached.
  • Sailors carried cutlasses when boarding another ship.
  • She carefully slid the cutlass back into its sheath.

Forms

cutlass · cutlasses

Similar words

saber
Usually longer than a cutlass and often associated with cavalry.
scimitar
A curved sword associated with the Middle East, often longer.