A partisan (also known as a partizan), a type of

polearm A polearm or pole weapon is a close combat weapon in which the main fighting part of the weapon is fitted to the end of a long shaft, typically of wood, extending the user's effective range and striking power. Polearms are predominantly melee we ...

, was used in Europe during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. It consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long wooden shaft, with protrusions on the sides which aided in parrying sword thrusts. - "A type of spear used in the 16th and 17th centuries, with a long, triangular, double-edged blade, with two (more rarely one) upturned flukes at its base." The partisan was often used by infantry soldiers, who would deploy the weapon to fend off

cavalry Historically, cavalry (from the French word ''cavalerie'', itself derived from ''cheval'' meaning "horse") are groups of soldiers or warriors who Horses in warfare, fight mounted on horseback. Until the 20th century, cavalry were the most mob ...

charges. The protrusions on the sides of the spearhead were useful for catching and trapping an opponent's sword, allowing the user to disarm the opposition. In profile, the head of a partisan may look similar to other types of polearm, such as the

halberd A halberd (also called halbard, halbert or Swiss voulge), is a two-handed polearm that was in prominent use from the 13th to 16th centuries. The halberd consists of an axe blade topped with a spike mounted on a long shaft. It may have a hook or ...

, pike, ranseur, spontoon, ox tongue, or spetum. The arrival of practical firearms and bayonet led to the obsolescence of the partisan and of other polearms. Despite this, partisans continued in use for many years as a

ceremonial weapon A ceremonial weapon is an object used for ceremony, ceremonial purposes to display power or authority. They may be used in parades and as part of military dress uniforms, or presented as gifts on formal occasions. Although they are descended fr ...

. Ceremonial partisans can still be seen in the hands of guards at important buildings or events.

Gallery

File:Officersbardisan - Livrustkammaren - 15937.tif, An officer's partisan from 1655 File:Le costume historique. Cinq cents planches, trois cents en couleurs, or et argent, deux cents en camaieu. Types principaux du vêtement et de la parure, rapprochés de ceux de l'intérieur de (14577400280).jpg, Indonesian weapons, including partisans

References

Ceremonial weapons Edged and bladed weapons European weapons Polearms Renaissance-era polearms Renaissance-era weapons Hewing spears {{Polearm-stub