Page 246 - Dictionary of Heraldry and Related Subjects

Legionary - The ordinary Roman Long Sword - Originally used by
the Merovingians and Franks, was
soldier.
also adopted by the Normans. It
Lobster Tai1 - A name given to one consisted of a sword with Iong
of the kinds of helmet used in the broad blade and cross shaped quiI-
middle of the 17th century. It Ions. In some cases the handle was
derived its nanie from the tail piece extended and the sword was used
extending over the neck which as a two-handed weapon.
looked like a lobster's scales,
bcked Helmets - These were used
principally by the German foot
soldiers and consisted of a helmet
M
with a locking device for affxing
it to the reniainder of the armour.
Mace - A club-like and very
Long Bow - The famous b0w intro- vicious weapon of which there were
duced originau~ by the Welsh circa numerous shapes. Most had a shor 1-
1272 which WaS primarily respon- ish handle and were headed by
sible for the victories of the English either a spiked metal hall or various
armies at Créc~ and Agincourt types of fan-like protuberances
against the French amies, which extending from the head,
were of vastIy superior numbers.
The long bow could be fired
rapidly at an effective range of 400
yards and it used a three foot arrow,
popularly known as the grey goose
shaft.
Long Shield - A name sometimes
given to the kite-shaped shield used
by the Normans.
Types of Mace
It was a particulariy favouritc
weapon with soldier-churchmen,
such as Bishop Odo of Bayeaux the
brother of William the Conquerer
who foughc at Hastings, because the
mace was looked upon as a bruising
weapon rather than a blood draw-
ing weapon and they were thus able
to argue that they were not shed-
ding blood.
Macedonian Phalam - A Greelc
Long or Kiie-shaped Shield unit consisting of approximately
220