A type of 17th-century sword with a distinctive blade design: narrow and stiff for thrusting with a broader base for protection.
From French 'colichemarde,' possibly from a proper name (Château de Colichemardie in France) or from a folk etymology linking it to 'colle' (glue) and 'chemarde' (obscure). The exact origin is debated among etymologists and historians.
The colichemarde represents a specific moment in weapon evolution—sword-makers were experimenting with designs to balance thrust power with parrying capability, a 'arms race' that shows military technology drives innovation!
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