Definition: 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?