cutlass n 1: a short heavy curved sword with one edge; formerly used by sailors [syn: {cutlas}, {cutlass}]
Cutlass \Cut"lass\ (k[u^]t"las), n.; pl. {Cutlasses} (-[e^]z). [F. coutelas (cf. It. coltellaccio), augm. fr. L. cuttellus a small knife, dim. of culter knife. See {Colter}, and cf. {Curtal ax}.] A short, heavy, curving sword, used in the navy. See {Curtal ax}. [1913 Webster] cutlass fish