| Poniard | |
|---|---|
A poniard in the collection ofThinktank museum, Birmingham, England | |
| Type | Dagger |
| Specifications | |
| Blade type | Double-edged, straight bladed |
Aponiard (/ˈpɒnjərd/) orpoignard (French:[pwaɲaʁ]) is a long, lightweight thrustingknife with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed blade, and acrossguard, historically worn by theupper class,noblemen, or members of theknighthood. Similar in design to aparrying dagger, the poniard emerged during theMiddle Ages and was used during theRenaissance in Western Europe, particularly in France, Switzerland, and Italy.[1][2]
The archaic word "spud" in English could refer to a poignard.[3]
The armed forces ofSafavid Iran (1501–1736) used the poniard; it was considered a weapon the ownership of which was especially typical of soldiers who originated from theCaucasus region, particularlyCircassians,Georgians, andArmenians.[4]
In modern French, the termpoignard has come to be defined as synonymous withdague, the general term for "dagger",[5] and in English the termponiard has gradually evolved into a term for any small, slender dagger.[6] In literary usage it may also mean the actual act of stabbing or piercing with a dagger.[7]
TheFairbairn–Sykes fighting knife and the similarV-42 stiletto may be thought of as modern versions of thepoignard.
In Shakespeare'sHamlet (Act V, scene ii; line 3795), Laertes wagers "six French rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and so" against sixBarbary horses owned by King Claudius that in a fencing match Laertes will defeat Hamletby three or more touches.
In Marlowe'sThe Massacre at Paris the Duke of Guise kills the Duke of Navarre and the Prince of Condy's schoolmasters with a poignard.
In theGothic novelThe Monk byMatthew Lewis, the novice monk Rosario threatens to commit suicide with a poignard during an argument with the senior monk Ambrosio.
InRobert E. Howard'sRed NailsConan the Barbarian has a poniard.
InMichael Moorcock'sElric of Melnibone Elric is trained in the art of the poignard.
SPUD. A sort of poinard.
Soldiers also used the poniard (...) It was typical for those soldiers originating from the Caucasus (Cherkes, Georgian, Armenian) where also the best poniards were made