poignard

dagger

noun pwahn-YAR Rare

Usage Note

Poignard is a literary or historical word for a dagger or stiletto blade, derived from poing (fist) since it was gripped in the hand. The verb poignarder means 'to stab (with a dagger)'. It appears frequently in historical fiction and theater.

Examples

"Il brandissait un poignard dans l'obscurité."

Natural Translation

He was brandishing a dagger in the dark.

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