Glossary
The Swordfighters ” Fencing Glossary ” 
A
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Absence of Blade |
When the blades are not touching; opposite of engagement. |
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Advance |
A movement forward by step, cross, or balestra. |
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AFF |
Australian Fencing Federation |
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Aids |
The last three fingers of the sword hand. |
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Allez |
“Fence / Go” |
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Alligator clip |
Metal clip attaching body wire to Lamé conducting electrical signals during bouts for Foil, Epee |
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Analysis |
Reconstruction of the fencing phrase to determine priority (more skilful action) of touches |
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Arm |
Weapon holding or sword arm and target in Sabre / Epee |
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Armourer |
Person responsible for weapon repairing / maintenance at a competition, often sells fencing gear as well. |
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Assault |
Assaut, Combat. Friendly combat between two fencers. |
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Attack |
The initial offensive action made by extending the sword arm and continuously threatening the valid target of the opponent. |
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Attack au Fer
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An attack that is prepared by deflecting the opponent’s blade, eg. beat, froissement, pressure. |
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B
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Back arm |
Non weapon arm, must be away from target area, used for balance |
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Back foot |
90 o to front foot, leads backwards movement |
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Back hand |
Non weapon hand, not used except for balance, offered to shake hands at end / beginning of bout. |
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Back leg |
Trailing leg, bent at 90 o |
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Back line |
End of fencing piste / strip, penalty applies when back over end |
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Barrage |
A fence off between two or more fencers who are tied in the competition results. |
| Battement |
A beat. |
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Balestra |
A forward hop or jump, typically followed by an attack such as a lunge or fleche. |
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Baudry Point |
Baudry point: a safety collar placed around a live epee point to prevent dangerous penetration. |
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Bayonet |
Connecteur à baïonnette A type of electrical connector for weapons. |
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Beat |
An attempt to knock the opponent’s blade aside or out of line by using one’s foible or middle against the opponent’s foible. |
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Benderole |
In Sabre A flowing / rolling diagonal chest cut. |
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Bind |
An action in which the opponent’s blade is forced into the diagonally opposite line. |
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Black Card |
Carte noir A penalty received Used to indicate the most serious offences in a fencing competition. The offending fencer is excluded from the event or tournament with no points awarded |
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Board |
Target board used for exercises |
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Bodywire |
Electrical cord that plugs blade and lame into circuit |
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Bout |
A formal “combat” between 2 fencers at which the score is kept. |
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Bout Line |
An imaginary straight line passing from the rear heel through the front foot of one fencer and continuing through the front foot to the rear heel of the opponent as they face each other in the fencing position. |
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Bout plane |
An imaginary two dimensional plane that rises from the bout line perpendicular to the fencing strip. |
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Box |
Electrical apparatus that is used by all 3 weapons, circuit used, eg blade –> bodywire –> spool -> box used to assist referee in competition, scoring apparatus. |
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Breeches |
Protective pants, knee high traditionally white, FIE sanctioned in competition.
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Broken Time |
A sudden change in the tempo of one fencer’s actions, used to fool the opponent into responding at the wrong time. |
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Button |
The safety tip on the end of practice swords. |
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Break |
To interrupt the opponent’s actions by retreating out of distance or by intercepting his feint prior to the finale of his attack. |