A ranseur, also called roncone, was a

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 ...

similar to the

partisan Partisan(s) or The Partisan(s) may refer to: Military * Partisan (military), paramilitary forces engaged behind the front line ** Francs-tireurs et partisans, communist-led French anti-fascist resistance against Nazi Germany during WWII ** Ital ...

used in Europe up to the 15th century. It was still seen in court as a ceremonial weapon through the 17th century. Often thought to be a derivation of the earlier spetum, the head of a ranseur consists of a

spear A spear is a polearm consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with Fire hardening, fire hardened spears, or it may be made of a more durable materia ...

-tip affixed with a cross

hilt The hilt (rarely called a haft or shaft) is the handle of a knife, dagger, sword, or bayonet, consisting of a guard, grip, and pommel. The guard may contain a crossguard or quillons. A tassel or sword knot may be attached to the guard or pomme ...

at its base. Often this hilt is crescent-shaped, giving it an appearance similar to that of a

trident A trident (), () is a three- pronged spear. It is used for spear fishing and historically as a polearm. As compared to an ordinary spear, the three tines increase the chance that a fish will be struck and decrease the chance that a fish will b ...

. Generally, the hilts do not have a cutting edge, unlike the double-edged partisan. Ranseurs are generally in length or longer. The spearing function of the weapon is apparent but not always effective against armor of great protection. The deflection includes the trapping of opponents' weapons in the space below the main blade, where a twist of the shaft can apply pressure from that moment on at long range, and of pulling mounted opponents from the saddle.

References

Polearms Medieval polearms Tridents {{Polearm-stub