Espada

/ɛsˈpɑːdə/ noun

Definition

A Spanish or Portuguese sword, especially a long blade used in fencing or combat.

Etymology

From Spanish/Portuguese espada, from Latin spatha, from Greek spathe (broad blade). The word traveled through Mediterranean trade routes and military history. It's also used in bullfighting to describe the final thrust that kills the bull.

Kelly Says

The Spanish espada became so famous that 'spadone' (Italian for big sword) gave us the modern fencing sword, and English took the Spanish term directly because Spain was Europe's sword-fighting superpower in the Renaissance.

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