epee
Definition
Noun: A thrusting sword used in the sport of fencing. It is characterized by a stiff, V-shaped blade with no cutting edge, a large bell guard to protect the hand, and a point equipped with a spring-loaded button to register valid touches electronically.
Usage
The word "epee" refers specifically to the weapon itself and, by extension, to the fencing discipline that uses it. * She chose to compete in epee rather than foil or sabre. * The fencer checked the tip of his epee before the bout. * Epee is the only fencing weapon where the entire body is a valid target.
Examples
- The modern epee is descended from the dueling sword.
- A valid hit in epee is scored only with the point of the weapon.
- He parried the attack and scored a touch with his epee.
Advanced Usage
- Epee fencing: The style and rules of fencing with an epee.
- Epee fencing often has a more tactical and deliberate pace than foil.
- Epeeist: A fencer who specializes in using the epee.
- The experienced epeeist waited patiently for an opening.
Variants and Related Words
- Foil: A lighter thrusting sword with a smaller guard and where only the torso is a valid target.
- Sabre (or Saber): A cutting and thrusting sword where hits with the edge of the blade also score.
Synonyms
- Fencing sword
- Thrusting sword
Related Phrases
- Epee guard: The large, bell-shaped part of the weapon that protects the fencer's hand.
- Epee point: The spring-loaded tip mechanism used to register touches.
Noun
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a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
