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Main-gauche
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In sword fighting, the main-gauche (French for "left hand"; IPA: [mɛ˜ goʊʃ]) is a dagger used in the off hand, mainly to assist in parrying incoming thrusts, while the dominant hand wields a rapier or similar longer weapon intended for one-handed use. It may also be used for attack if an opportunity arises.
The use of an off-hand weapon gradually fell out of favor as sword fighting evolved into the modern sport of fencing. The use of progressively lighter primary weapons such as the small sword, epee, and foil allowed for greater speed. Under these circumstances the use of just a primary weapon offered improvements in balance as well as a stance that offered a smaller target.
An off-hand weapon is never used in modern sport competition; in fact, the use of the off hand as a defensive measure is prohibited by the rules.
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