Godendag

/ˈɡoʊdənˌdæɡ/ noun

Definition

A spiked medieval bludgeon or weapon, typically mounted on a staff, used by Flemish soldiers; also spelled 'godentag.'

Etymology

From Dutch/Flemish 'goedendag' meaning 'good day' (goeden = good, dag = day), possibly a greeting used before swinging the weapon at enemies. It became a historical term for a specific medieval weapon used in 13th-century Flanders.

Kelly Says

Calling a spiked murder-weapon 'good day' is wonderfully grim—it's the medieval equivalent of naming a missile 'Peacekeeper,' and it actually became famous through historical accounts of Flemish militias devastating cavalry charges.

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