Anlace

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈæn.lɪs/

Definitions

1. A small, pointed weapon historically utilized for stabbing purposes in combat situations
2. A slender-bladed tool often associated with precision in close-quarter engagements
3. A short sword or dagger with a narrow blade used historically for thrusting in battle

Etymology: The anlace was a short medieval dagger, and its name may come from the tool that gave a similar blade its shape: the awl. Middle English "anelas" probably descends from Old French "alesnaz," itself rooted in "alesne," meaning awl, a pointed tool for piercing leather and wood. The Old French word traces back to a Frankish form, "alisnu" or "alasnu," which has relatives in Old High German, including "alasna" and "āla," also meaning awl. The link to the awl makes sense once you picture the weapon. A pointed, narrow blade with a stabbing edge would resemble the tool that craftsmen pushed through hides, so a word for one could easily slide over to the other. The origin is still only probable rather than certain, so the awl connection should be read as the most likely explanation rather than settled fact.