A partisan (also known as a partizan) is a type of
polearm that 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
A parry is a fencing bladework maneuver intended to deflect or block an incoming attack.
Execution
To execute a parry, fencers strike the opponent's foible, or the area near the tip of the blade, with their forte, or the part of the blade nea ...
sword thrusts. The partisan was often used by infantry soldiers, who would use the weapon to fend off cavalry charges. The protrusions on the sides of the spearhead were also useful for catching and trapping an opponent's sword, allowing the user to disarm them. In profile, the head of a partisan may look similar to other types of polearm, such as the
halberd,
pike,
ranseur,
spontoon,
ox tongue, or
spetum.
The arrival of practical firearms led to the obsolescence of the partisan and other polearms. Despite this, the weapon continued to be used for many years as a
ceremonial weapon. 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
Blade weapons
Polearms
Renaissance-era polearms
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