halberd

Other forms: halberds

A halberd was a common weapon during the 14th and 15th centuries. Halberds looked like axes with very long handles and narrow spikes on top.

A soldier who used a halberd was known as a halberdier. Halberds were popular because they were versatile — they included an ax head, a curved hook on one side, and a sharp spike, essentially combining a spear or pike and a battle-ax in one. The word derives from the Middle High German halmbarte, "ax with handle."

Definitions of halberd

1. noun

   a pike fitted with an ax head
   type of:

   pike

   medieval weapon consisting of a spearhead attached to a long pole or pikestaff; superseded by the bayonet