Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index A generic term covering the largest versions of slashing, usually straight bladed European swords. Since a great sword usually sported a longer, heavy blade - and could require two hands to properly wield - the name came to imply any kind of two-handed sword. While terms do overlap, many kinds of one handed swords also fall under this category - and experts rarely agree on a clear cut definition. As a matter of terminology, even 18th century broad swords - the curved blade variety, akin to a thick sabre - could be referred to as great swords. This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.