Bilbo (sword)

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The bilbo, a thrusting-sword, seems to take its name from its place of manufacture: Bilbao (in the Basque country of northern Spain), famed for its sword-blades, and formerly known as Bilboa in English. Bilbos have well-tempered and flexible blades.

The Basque area, including the lordship of Biscay, was famed by its ironworks, not only blades but also guns. In Spanish, daga vizcaína ("Biscayne dagger") was one of the names for a dagger held in the left hand.

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.