Greatsword

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɹeɪt.sɔɹd/

Definitions

1. A sizable, two-edged weapon frequently seen in both historical warfare and fantasy tales A remarkable sword linked to legendary figures and epic battles This substantial weapon is recognized for its exceptional length and intricate blade features
2. A large sword designed to be wielded with both hands, known for its extended blade and heavy weight
3. An oversized bladed weapon requiring two hands to use, often featured in combat and historical contexts

Etymology: "Greatsword" is a plain compound: "great" (large, big) joined to "sword," so the name describes the weapon's size rather than a specific invention or person. Its roots run back to Old English, where "sweord" was the common word for the blade, and "great" comes from a Germanic word meaning large or thick, which has descendants across the family of Germanic languages. The compound is a descriptive label of the kind English often builds from an adjective and a noun, much like "greathouse" or "greatcoat." The "great" here carries its older sense of big in dimension, so the term distinguishes the heavy two-handed weapon from smaller single-handed swords. The word is a straightforward English formation, and its history lies in the separate histories of its two parts rather than in any single coinage.

Synonyms: longsword, sword