What does anlace mean?
An anlace is a short, double-edged dagger with a sharply pointed blade, characteristic of the European Middle Ages. Compact enough to be carried at the belt or concealed about the person, it served as a close-quarters sidearm for both soldiers and civilians in an era when carrying a sword was not always practical or permitted. The word itself is rare today, surviving chiefly in historical writing, fantasy fiction, and reference works on arms and armor, where it lends period flavor to descriptions of medieval weaponry. Because the term is unfamiliar to most modern readers, encountering it often prompts curiosity about the weapon it names: a modest but lethal blade that occupied a practical niche between a knife and a sword. For writers seeking authentic medieval detail, the anlace offers a precise, evocative alternative to the generic 'dagger.'
nounA short, double-edged dagger with a pointed blade, used especially in the Middle Ages.
- A short, two-edged dagger of the Middle Ages.
"The knight drew his anlace from beneath his cloak and cut the rope binding the gate."
"Beneath his tunic he carried an anlace, its blade worn dull from years of use."
"The museum's armory display included a finely wrought anlace beside the longswords and maces."
The plural follows standard English formation and appears mainly in inventories, collections, or historical accounts referring to multiple daggers.
"The armory's collection included several anlaces of varying lengths."
The anlace was the medieval equivalent of a concealed weapon — small enough to hide in a sleeve, sharp enough to end an argument.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anlace
The word 'anlace' entered English in the medieval period, first attested in Middle English texts describing weapons. Its further etymology is uncertain; some sources connect it to Old French forms such as 'anelace,' but a definitive origin has not been established. It remains a chiefly historical term in modern English.
How anlace is actually used
An anlace is a rare and largely historical term, encountered mainly in dictionaries, historical fiction, and discussions of medieval arms and armor. It carries archaic or literary connotations rather than everyday usage.
Easily confused with anlace
A lance is a long thrusting spear wielded by a mounted knight, whereas an anlace is a short handheld dagger.