Definition of "crossguard" []

• A bar of metal, at right-angles, between the blade and the hilt of a sword that stops an opponent's blade from sliding down and injuring the hand of the person wielding the sword. (noun)

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• "The hilt of that strange blade was fused to her palm, and the twisted basket of its crossguard wrapped around her hand and wrist like the coils of a constricting snake."
• "The swords have a simple crossguard and most have a languet, a short central extension towards the blade that fits over the scabbard when sheathed."
• "His blade landed on mine and caught on the crossguard."