xiphos

English
Actaeon, wielding a xiphos, attacked by his own hounds; painted vase, circa 390-380 BCE

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ξίφος (xíphos). Doublet of seif.

Noun

xiphos (plural xiphoses or xiphoi or xiphe)

  1. (historical) A double-edged, single-handed sword, typically used by Ancient Greek hoplites as a secondary weapon after the dory (thrusting spear) or javelin.

Usage notes
  • The plural xiphoi is modeled on analogy with similar Greek plurals in English, but would not be considered correct in Greek. The authentic Greek plural xiphe sees only occasional use in English.

Translations
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