A medieval weapon that combines an axe blade, a spear point, and a hook or barb, typically mounted on a long wooden shaft and used by foot soldiers and guards.
From Middle High German 'Hellebarde,' composed of 'Helle' (handle/shaft) and 'Barte' (axe), entering English through contact with German-speaking mercenaries in the 15th century.
The halberd was basically the Swiss Army knife of medieval warfare—you could chop, pierce, hook mounted knights off their horses, or catch weapons with the hook. Swiss Guard members still carry ceremonial halberds today as a link to that tradition.
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