Plural of falchion; short, curved swords with a single sharp edge, historically used in medieval combat.
From Old French falchion, possibly from Latin falx (sickle). The word traveled through Romance languages, with the curved blade design reflecting the sickle-like shape of the original falx tool.
Falchions were the practical weapon of choice for foot soldiers because they were cheaper to make than long swords and worked brilliantly in tight formations—one sharp curve could do the work of an expensive longsword.
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