Rapier

Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 8: Peasant to Eoumelia, p. 583

Rapier, a light, highly-tempered, edgeless, thrusting weapon, finely pointed, and about 3 feet in length. It was for long the favourite weapon in duelling, and was worn by every gentleman. At present it is worn only on occasions of court ceremonial, and answers no other purpose than to incommod the wearer. Instructions for Feucing (q.v.) are for fencing with the rapier or foil. See SWORD.

Source scan(s): p. 0594