voulge

A voulge would usually have a narrow single-edged blade (sometimes with a secondary edge on the back) mounted with a socket on a shaft. The weapon could additionally feature shaft reinforcements called langets and rondel protection for the hands at the base of the blade. Troops that used the weapon are called voulgiers. It is a weapon noted to have been used by the franc-archers and is also depicted in artwork of their creation. • Illustration — Late XV century depiction of men on foot holding voulges from the Chroniques de Froissart There is a popular erroneous definition of the word voulge in modern times, which refers to a pointy cleaver-like weapon blade attached to the shaft with two hoops like a bardiche. This definition is incorrect and started in the 19th century with Viollet le Duc, and the weapon in question is an early form of halberd. • Illustration — Voulges depicted in the hands of franc-archers