besague Meaning & Definition
What Does Besague Mean?
As a noun, besague means A kind of double-bladed axe. It is also used to mean A kind of martel or war-hammer, with its head(s) shaped like a pick, mattock, or beak.
Besague: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈbɛs.ə.ɡju/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Plural | besagues |
Besague Definition (Noun)
- A kind of double-bladed axe.
- A kind of martel or war-hammer, with its head(s) shaped like a pick, mattock, or beak.
- A plate (as of armor) that protects an otherwise-exposed area, such as the armpit (alternative form of besagew), the elbow, or the hand
Synonyms of Besague
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Besague synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
besague (plural besagues)
Origin of Besague
From Middle English besague, besagu, besagew, from Old French besague, whence also English besagew (“rondel, armor protecting the armpit”), related to Latin bisacuta (Italian bisacuto (“double-edged”)) and besogium. Applied, in the Middle Ages, to a variety of medieval weapons or tools with two blades, edges, or faces, especially a double-bladed axe[1] or war-hammer,[2][3] but also to iron-headed cornuted staffs,[4] clubs, or maces,[5] spades, hoes, mattocks, and even knives.[6][7]
How to Pronounce Besague
You say besague as /ˈbɛs.ə.ɡju/. It has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (bɛs).