noun
- plural of cutlass; short, curved swords with single-edged blades, typically used by sailors and pirates
Usage: nautical; historical
Examples
- The pirates brandished their cutlasses as they boarded the merchant ship.
- Museum visitors admired the collection of antique cutlasses from the 18th century.
- The naval officers were trained to fight with cutlasses in close combat.
- Cutlasses were preferred weapons at sea because their short blades were easier to wield in tight spaces.
- The blacksmith forged several cutlasses for the ship’s crew.
- Historical reenactors carried replica cutlasses during the maritime festival.