passado
Noun: 1. (Fencing) A specific attacking thrust: In the sport of fencing, a 'passado' is a forward attacking move. It is executed with one foot stepping forward, the back leg kept straight, and the sword arm extended fully toward the opponent.
The term 'passado' is a highly specialized word used almost exclusively in the context of historical or classical fencing to describe a particular offensive technique. - The fencer executed a perfect passado, catching his opponent off guard. - Mastering the passado requires precise control of balance and extension.
- Historical/Literary Context: While primarily a fencing term, 'passado' may appear in historical texts or literature depicting duels.
- In the Elizabethan drama, the challenge was settled with a single, decisive passado.
- Lunge (noun): A more common modern fencing term for a similar forward attacking movement. A 'lunge' is the fundamental attacking action in contemporary fencing, while 'passado' is its historical counterpart.
- Thrust (noun): A general term for any attacking move in fencing where the sword is pushed forward toward the target.
- Lunge: (in modern fencing)
- Thrust: (general term)
'Passado' is an archaic term derived from Italian and Spanish, meaning "a pass" or "a crossing." It is not used in modern competitive Olympic fencing, where 'lunge' is the standard term. Its use today is largely confined to historical fencing enthusiasts, classical fencing, and works of historical fiction.
- (fencing) an attacking thrust made with one foot forward and the back leg straight and with the sword arm outstretched forward