👉 Any of various bladed or pointed hand weapons, originally designating an Anglo-Saxon sword, and later a weapon of infantry, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries, commonly consisting of a broad, heavy, double-edged, hook-shaped blade, with a short pike at the back and another at the top, attached to the end of a long staff.
Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look! Today we're tackling "bill," as defined by this rather lengthy dictionary entry. Now, don't be overwhelmed by all those fancy words – let’s break it down with a little rhyme to make it stick! (Clear throat and adjust glasses) “A ‘bill,’ you see, was once a warrior’s plea, A weapon bold for battles, wild and free. From Anglo-Saxons, strong and stout, It started as a sword, without a doubt!” But listen closely, don't you stray, It evolved through time in a historical way! “Later it became a soldier’s tool, In the 14th and 15th centuries, cool.” (Point to the dictionary definition) The dictionary tells us, with precise detail, It had a blade that was broad and real. Double-edged it was, a weighty might, With hooks and pikes – a fearsome sight! Attached to a staff, long and grand, A weapon held in a soldier’s hand. Think of a hook, then a pike so tall, That's the "bill" - standing proud for all! So, to recap: A "bill" was primarily a medieval infantry weapon – a sort of combined sword and spear – used during battles centuries ago. Do you have any questions about this historical armory? Perhaps you’d like to tell me what other weapons you know?
