main-gauche

See also: main gauche

English

The hilt of a main-gauche

Etymology

French, left hand.

Noun

main-gauche

1. (historical) A relatively large dagger, especially popular in the 17th century. It was held in the left hand (the non-dominant hand), while the rapier was held in the right. It was mainly used to parry thrusts of the adversary's rapier.

References

• “main-gauche”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.