Definition of "backsword" [back•sword]

• A sword with only one cutting edge. (noun)
• A one-handed fencing stick; a singlestick. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Actually, I'm reading George Silver at the moment also and the parallels between Silver and Liechtenauer are remarkable. (the Glasgow backsword class finally opened on Monday)"
• "In the same manner, he proved satisfactorily, that the word sword comprehended all descriptions, whether backsword or basket-hilt, cut-and-thrust or rapier, falchion, or scimitar."
• "After nearly eight hours of rapier, infantry sabre with an hour’s digression into backsword techniques we were all, to put it mildly, a little tired."