back-sword

A large string of bandaliers garnished a broad belt that graced his shoulders, from whence depended an instrument of war, which was something between a back-sword and a cutlass; and a case of pistols were stuck in his girdle.

The Life and Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves 2004

In order to shew how little his vigour was impaired by the fatigues of the preceding day, he this morning danced a Highland sarabrand over a naked back-sword, and leaped so high, that I believe he would make no contemptible figure as a vaulter at

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker 2004

This is a capital show of gamesters, considering the amount of the prize; so, while they are picking their sticks and drawing their lots, I think I must tell you, as shortly as I can, how the noble old game of back-sword is played; for it is sadly gone out of late, even in the Vale, and maybe you have never seen it.

Tom Brown's Schooldays Hughes, Thomas, 1822-1896 1971

This is the day of large views, and glorious humanity, and all that; but I wish back-sword play hadn't gone out in the Vale of White Horse, and that that confounded Great Western hadn't carried away Alfred's Hill to make an embankment.

Tom Brown's Schooldays Hughes, Thomas, 1822-1896 1971

Another of the assassins clove his head with a back-sword, and scattered his brains.

The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March Alban Butler

In Berkshire back-sword play and wrestling were the favourite amusements for vigorous youths, and men strove hard to win the honour of being champion and the prizes which were offered on the occasion.

Old English Sports 1892

There were minor sports, such as climbing the pole, jumping in sacks, rolling wheelbarrows blindfolded, donkey races, muzzling in a flour-tub, &c.; but the back-sword play was the chief and most serious part of the programme.

Old English Sports 1892

Regiment, which fought so bravely at Maiwand, is composed of the sons of those who used to wield the back-sword on the Berkshire downs, and showed themselves not unworthy of their ancestry, although the quarter-staff and ashen-swords are forgotten.

Old English Sports 1892

By these methods he had acquired immense riches, which he used to squander [177] away at back-sword, quarter-staff, and cudgel-play, in which he took great pleasure, and challenged all the country.

English Satires Various 1885

Lewis either at back-sword, single falchion, or cudgel-play; but then he was very apt to quarrel with his best friends, especially if they pretended to govern him.

English Satires Various 1885