A blunted or pointless sword carried in royal processions as a symbol of mercy, particularly used in British coronation ceremonies.
From Old French cortain, from Latin curtus ('short' or 'blunt'). The Curtana appears in Arthurian legend as the sword of mercy, and it became an official ceremonial regalia piece in English coronations.
The Curtana is carried in British coronations as one of five swords, each representing different virtues—the blunt tip literally symbolizes mercy because it cannot draw blood, making it the most poetic weapon in any royal arsenal.
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