Dirk

Dirk (Gael. duire) is a dagger. In the complete equipment of the Scottish Highlander, the skaan-dhu ('black knife') is worn thrust inside the stocking.—The side-arm worn by midshipmen and cadets of the royal navy when on duty is also called by this name. The weapon is a broad blade some 18 inches in length, furnished with a white fish-skin handle. This weapon, which superseded the sword in 1856, is clumsy, unsightly, and of small use for purposes of offence or defence.