Halberdier: meaning, definitions and examples

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halberdier

 

[ ˌhælˈbɜːrdɪər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military

A soldier armed with a halberd, a combined spear and battle-ax.

Synonyms

guardsman, soldier, warrior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
halberdier

Used when referring to a historical or ceremonial context where a person is armed with a halberd, a type of pole weapon.

  • The castle gates were guarded by a halberdier dressed in medieval armor.
  • In the parade, the halberdier stood proudly with his weapon.
soldier

Appropriate for referring to a member of the armed forces, often in a general sense, in modern or historical contexts.

  • The soldier was deployed overseas for military service.
  • During training, each soldier learns to work as part of a team.
warrior

Best used when referring to someone engaged in combat, often emphasizing bravery, skill, and historical or fantasy contexts.

  • The warrior fought valiantly to defend his homeland.
  • Legends spoke of a mighty warrior who led the tribe in ancient times.
guardsman

Suitable when talking about a person, often in uniform, tasked with protecting a person, place, or community, especially in a contemporary or formal context.

  • The guardsman stood at attention outside the official residence.
  • As a guardsman, he takes his duty to protect the city very seriously.

Examples of usage

  • The halberdier stood at attention, ready to defend the castle.
  • The halberdier's weapon was a formidable combination of a spear and an ax.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

A ceremonial soldier or guard armed with a halberd, typically used in royal or formal events.

Synonyms

guard, sentinel, sentry.

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Word Description / Examples
halberdier

Used specifically to refer to a soldier or guard armed with a halberd, often in historical or ceremonial contexts.

  • The king was protected by a row of halberdiers during the parade
guard

A general term for someone who is responsible for protecting a person, place, or thing. Used in a variety of situations, from security personnel in malls to bodyguards.

  • The museum was closely monitored by a team of guards
sentinel

Often used to describe a guard or soldier who keeps watch, particularly one who is on duty at a single post and remains in a stationary position for long periods.

  • A lone sentinel stood watch at the fortress gate throughout the night
sentry

Similar to sentinel, but it often implies the act of standing guard at a particular spot with the purpose of vigilance and alertness, sometimes with a slightly more formal or military tone.

  • The sentry was instructed to report any unusual activity immediately

Examples of usage

  • The halberdier led the procession during the king's coronation.
  • The halberdier's uniform was elaborately decorated for the ceremony.

Translations

Translations of the word "halberdier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alabardeiro

🇮🇳 बरछीधारी

🇩🇪 Hellebardier

🇮🇩 halberdier

🇺🇦 алебардник

🇵🇱 halabardnik

🇯🇵 鉾持ち (ほこもち)

🇫🇷 hallebardier

🇪🇸 alabardero

🇹🇷 baltaçık

🇰🇷 미늘창병 (minneulchangbyeong)

🇸🇦 حامل الحربة

🇨🇿 halapartník

🇸🇰 halapartník

🇨🇳 戟兵 (jǐ bīng)

🇸🇮 alebardir

🇮🇸 helberdari

🇰🇿 алебардшы

🇬🇪 ალაბარდისტი

🇦🇿 halberdier

🇲🇽 alabardero

Etymology

The term 'halberdier' originates from the Middle French word 'hallebardier', which is derived from the Old High German word 'halmberd'. The halberd was a popular European polearm weapon in the 14th to 16th centuries, and halberdiers were an important part of infantry forces during that time. Over the years, the role of halberdiers evolved from frontline combatants to ceremonial guards, maintaining a symbolic presence in formal events and royal processions.

See also: halberd.