Partisan (weapon)

{{Short description|Type of polearm}}

{{For|the military force|Partisan (military)}}Image:Yeomen of the Guard.JPG with partisans]]

{{Wikt| partisan}}

A partisan (also known as a partizan), a type of polearm, was used in Europe during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.{{cite web|title=Melee weapons: Partisan |url= http://medieval.stormthecastle.com/armorypages/polearms/partisan.htm |website=All Things Medieval |access-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518165907/http://medieval.stormthecastle.com/armorypages/polearms/partisan.htm|archive-date=18 May 2021}}{{cite web|title=Medieval polearms |url=http://www.weapons-universe.com/Swords/Medieval_Polearms.shtml |website=Weapons Universe |access-date=28 October 2014}}{{cite web|title=Definition of partisan (weapon) |url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partisan |website=Merriam-Webster Dictionary |access-date=28 October 2014}}

It consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long wooden shaft, with protrusions on the sides which aided in parrying sword thrusts.

{{oed | partisan}} - "A type of spear used in the 16th and 17th centuries, with a long, triangular, double-edged blade, with two (more rarely one) upturned flukes at its base."

The partisan was often used by infantry soldiers, who would deploy the weapon to fend off cavalry charges. The protrusions on the sides of the spearhead were useful for catching and trapping an opponent's sword, allowing the user to disarm the opposition. In profile, the head of a partisan may look similar to other types of polearm, such as the halberd, pike, ranseur, spontoon, ox tongue, or spetum.

The arrival of practical firearms and bayonet led to the obsolescence of the partisan and of other polearms. Despite this, partisans continued in use for many years as a ceremonial weapon. Ceremonial partisans can still be seen in the hands of guards at important buildings or events.