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épée

noun \ ˈe-ˌpā , ā-ˈpā \

Updated on: 10 May 2018

Definition of épée

1 : a fencing or dueling sword having a bowl-shaped guard and a rigid blade of triangular section with no cutting edge that tapers to a sharp point blunted for fencing — compare ⁴foil 1, saber

2 : the art or sport of fencing with the épée

Recent Examples of épée from the Web

Among epee, foil and saber, which is the most difficult to master?

— marvin pave, BostonGlobe.com, "Brandeis fencing coach Bill Shipman looks back on his career," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'épée.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of épée

Origin and Etymology of épée

French, from Old French espee, Latin spatha

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1889

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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