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The term claymore is an anglicisation of the Gaelic claidheamh-mòr "big/great sword", attested in 1772 (as Cly-more) with the gloss "great two-handed sword". [3] The sense "basket-hilted sword" is contemporaneous, attested in 1773 as "the broad-sword now used ... called the Claymore, (i.e., the great sword)", [4] although OED observes that this usage is "inexact, but very common".
All of the Islamic world during the 16th to 18th century, including the Ottoman Empire and Persia were influenced by the "scimitar" type of single-edged curved sword. Via the Mameluke sword this also gave rise to the European cavalry sabre. Terms for the "scimitar" curved sword: Kilij (Turkish) Pulwar (Afghanistan) Shamshir (Persia) Talwar ...
Two styles of scimitars: an Egyptian shamshir (left) and an Ottoman kilij (right). A scimitar (/ ˈ s ɪ m ɪ t ər / or / ˈ s ɪ m ɪ t ɑːr /) [1] is a single-edged sword with a convex curved blade [2] [3] [4] of about 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 inches) associated with Middle Eastern, South Asian, or North African cultures.
The thin, replaceable blades used on the macuahuitl were easily dulled or chipped by repeated impacts on bone or wood, making artful use of the weapon critical. It takes more time to lift and swing a club than it does to thrust with a sword. More space is needed as well, so warriors advanced in loose formations and fought in single combat. [30]
The Black Band of German mercenaries (active during the 1510s and 1520s) included 2,000 two-handed swordsmen in a total strength of 17,000 men. Zweihänder-wielders fought with and against pike formations. Soldiers trained in the use of the sword were granted the title of Meister des langen Schwertes (lit.
The curved "scimitar" sword family includes the shamshir, kilij, talwar, pulwar, and nimcha. A shamshir shekargar (Persian: شمشیر شکارگر, romanized: shamshir-e shekârgar, lit. 'hunters' sword or hunting sword') is the same as a shamshir, except the blade is engraved and decorated, usually with hunting scenes. [1]
The blades of these swords are narrower and longer than the typical Viking sword, marking the transition to the knightly sword of the High Middle Ages. This type exhibits a broad, flat blade, 80 centimetres (2.6 ft) long on average. A very wide and shallow fuller runs down each side of the blade, fading just before the point (which is rounded).
A Nimcha (Arabic: نمشة) is a single-handed sword from North Africa, especially used in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. [1] [2] It is classified as a type of scimitar or saif. [3] Becoming popular in north Africa during the 16th century, surviving nimcha are usually from the late 18th century onward and are notable for often using older blades.