Partisan (weapon)

Yeomen of the Guard with Partisans

A partisan (also partizan) is a type of polearm that was used in Europe during the Middle Ages. It consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long shaft (usually made of wood) with protrusions on the sides which aided the user in parrying sword thrusts. Like the halberd, it quickly became obsolete with the arrival of practical firearms although it stayed in use for many years as a ceremonial weapon. In profile, the head of a partisan may look similar to that of a ranseur, ox tongue, or spetum.