Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a small sword, especially of the 18th century, having a narrow blade and used for thrusting.
- a longer, heavier sword, especially of the 16th and 17th centuries, having a double-edged blade and used for slashing and thrusting.
noun
- a long narrow two-edged sword with a guarded hilt, used as a thrusting weapon, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries
- a smaller single-edged 18th-century sword, used principally in France
“light, sharp-pointed sword,” 1550s, from Middle French rapière, from espee rapiere “long, pointed two-edged sword” (late 15c.), in which the adjective is of uncertain origin, perhaps from derisive use of raspiere “poker, scraper.” Dutch, Danish rapier, German Rappier are from French.