Definition

Noun: A halberd is a two-handed pole weapon that was prominent in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. It combines an axe blade for chopping, a spike for thrusting, and often a hook for pulling mounted opponents from their horses. It is a type of pike fitted with an ax head.

Examples of Usage

• The medieval foot soldier wielded a halberd effectively against both infantry and cavalry.
• The museum's collection includes a beautifully preserved 15th-century halberd.
• Guards armed with halberds stood at the entrance to the palace.

Advanced Usage

• "To be armed with a halberd": To carry or use a halberd as a weapon.
  • The city watch was traditionally armed with a halberd.
• "Halberdier" (noun): A soldier who is armed with a halberd.
  • A unit of halberdiers formed the core of the infantry.

Variants and Related Words

• Halbert (noun): An archaic or variant spelling of "halberd."
• Polearm / Pole weapon (noun): The general category of long weapons mounted on poles, which includes the halberd, pike, and glaive.

Synonyms

• Poleaxe (noun): A similar pole weapon with an axe head, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a poleaxe often has a hammer or spike on the reverse side.
• Bardiche (noun): A type of long poleaxe with a particularly large, curved blade.

Related Phrases

• Halberd shaft: The long wooden handle of the weapon.
  • The halberd shaft was made of sturdy ash wood.
• Halberd head: The metal striking part of the weapon, comprising the axe, spike, and hook.
  • The halberd head was forged from a single piece of steel.

Noun

1. a pike fitted with an ax head