Partisan (weapon)

A partisan (also partizan) is a type of polearm that was used in Europe in the 16th, 17th, and 18th century.[1][2][3] It consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long shaft, usually wooden, with protrusions on the sides which aided in parrying sword thrusts. Like the halberd, it quickly became obsolete with the arrival of practical firearms, although it stayed in use for many years as a ceremonial weapon. In profile, the head of a partisan may look similar to that of a ranseur, spontoon, ox tongue, or spetum; however, unlike a ranseur, the lower parts of the head have a sharpened edge.

For the military force, see Partisan (military).
Yeomen of the Guard with partisans
An officer's partisan from 1655
Indonesian weapons, including partisans.

References
  1. "Melee weapons: Partisan". All Things Medieval. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  2. "Medieval polearms". Weapons Universe. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  3. "Definition of partisan (weapon)". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
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