How Do You Spell BASILARD?

Pronunciation: [bˈazɪlˌɑːd] (IPA)

Basilard is a rare word, referring to a short sword with a wide blade. Its peculiar spelling is due to its origin, which is the Old French word "basilard" (pronounced /basilard/), which itself is derived from the Latin word "basilica" (pronounced /basilika/) meaning royal residence. The English version of the word adds an additional "r" to the end for clarity of pronunciation, making it "basilard" (pronounced /bæzɪlard/). Despite its rarity, the word remains in use among historians and collectors of weapons.

BASILARD Meaning and Definition

1. Basilard is an adjective that is mainly used in describing a specific type of dagger or short sword commonly used during the Middle Ages. It pertains to a weapon characterized by a straight, double-edged blade that tapers to a point, resembling a basilisk's tail, from which the name is derived. The basilard typically has a length ranging from approximately 12 to 16 inches, making it shorter than the average sword used in various forms of combat during that era.

   The blade of a basilard is specifically designed to be agile and effective for thrusting attacks, allowing the wielder to deliver precise stabs to an opponent. While it may not have the same reach as longer swords, the basilard compensates with its enhanced maneuverability and ability to be used in close-quarters combat or as a backup weapon. It was often favored by knights, foot soldiers, and even civilian individuals seeking a self-defense weapon.

   Additionally, the basilard typically features a crossguard or hilt aimed at protecting the wielder's hand during engagements. This design allows for a secure grip and better maneuverability during combat. Although the use of the basilard diminished in popularity over time due to advancements in weaponry, its historical significance and distinctive design make it a notable piece of weaponry during the Middle Ages.

Common Misspellings for BASILARD

• b aselard
• b aslard
• vasilard
• nasilard
• hasilard
• gasilard
• bzsilard
• bssilard
• bwsilard
• bqsilard
• baailard
• bazilard
• baxilard
• badilard
• baeilard
• bawilard
• basulard
• basjlard
• basklard
• basolard

Etymology of BASILARD

The word "basilard" originated from the Old French term "baselard", which came from the Italian word "basilardo". "Basilard" refers to a type of dagger with a straight double-edged blade.

The term "baselard" is believed to have derived from Italian, particularly the Lombard dialect, around the 14th century. It is thought to be a combination of the words "basa" (meaning "low" or "inferior") and "lardo" (meaning "blade" or "dagger"). The Lombard dialect was influenced by various languages, including Germanic and Romance languages, which might explain the possible Germanic element in the base of the word.

Over time, the term "basilard" was borrowed into other languages, such as Middle English and Middle High German, with variations in spelling but retaining the same general meaning.

Plural form of BASILARD is BASILARDS