noun / adjective
rapier
RAY-pee-er/ˈreɪpiər/
A narrow pointed thrusting sword.
The rapier has a slender, pointed blade and an intricate hilt.
Etymology
French rapière named a long, pointed, two-edged sword. The modern sense reflects its later specialization as a light, sharp-pointed thrusting weapon in fencing; the name’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
designed for thrusts and cuts and some late ones only for thrusts. You can consider the rapier as something in between a sword and a smallsword.
More examples
- The swordsman thrusts his rapier toward his opponent.
- Two antique rapiers hang in the museum's display case.
- Her rapier wit cuts through his pompous speech.
Forms
rapier · rapiers