Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun One of the arms or branches of the cross-guard of a sword. See cross-guard, cross-hilt, cut in next column, and cut under hilt.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The guard of a sword or other bladed weapon designed to protect the hand from harm.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • It was the prisoner of Quillon -- no, "quillon" had something to do with a sword -- no, it was Chillon.

    The Heart of Rome 1881

  • It had the initials P.S.P. engraved onto the quillon.

    Dance Of Death Preston, Douglas 2005

  • He was working on the reverse of the blade, the edge opposite the ring quillon: his spirit in Garric's body had backhanded the sword through an iron helmet.

    Lord of the Isles 1997

  • The barked quillon drew blood across Bogdan's hand.

    The Goblin Mirror Cherryh, C. J. 1992

  • He made an overreach with the blade, tried to hang Bogdan's blade with the quillon-spine on his and almost succeeded; but Bogdan's strength jerked the blade half out of his grip before the imperfect hold raked free.

    The Goblin Mirror Cherryh, C. J. 1992

  • Candlelight danced across the polished curve of the quillon.

    Stormwarden Wurts, Janny 1989

  • Finding his op-ponent helpless, Emien crossed his dagger over his quillon and bore down with both hands.

    Stormwarden Wurts, Janny 1989

  • I got it in one hand and a quillon in the other, and wrenched the weapon free -- then drove it up into his rib cage.

    The Urth of the New Sun Wolfe, Gene 1987

  • On the belt as well was a black-sheathed, black-handled Gerber MkII fighting knife with double-edged stainless blade with sawteeth near the double-quillon guard on each side.

    The End Is Coming Ahern, Jerry 1984

  • But on her belt was a Gerber Mk II, the sheath apparently specially made, black, efficient-looking, the knife's handle material and the brass double-quillon guard betraying it as the Presentation series variation, just as efficient as the more subdued-looking Gerber Rourke now wore, but prettier.

    The End Is Coming Ahern, Jerry 1984

Comments

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  • "Then, having recovered his sword and found that it was unhurt he said 'May I look at yours?' Stephen passed it; Davidge turned it about and weight it and looked closely at its guard and grip. 'A spring quillon?' he asked.

    "'Just so. I catch my opponent's blade here; the whole thing is a matter of timing and leverage.'"

    --Patrick O'Brian, The Letter of Marque, 185

    February 29, 2008

  • A sharp tongue may silence a villain

    And rapier wit may well still him,

    But should doltish guise

    Be barbed by surprise

    Be sure that your sword bears a quillon.

    January 22, 2019