Obs. exc. Hist. [ad. Genevan dial. espadron, = F. espadon ESPADON.] ‘A sword much lighter than a broadsword, and made both to cut and thrust’ (James). Also attrib.
1798. C. Roworth (title), The Art of Defence on Foot with the Broad Sword and Sabre…. To which are added Remarks on the Spadroon.
1802. James, Milit. Dict., Spadroon Guard, a guard sometimes used with the cut and thrust sword, and also with the broad sword.
1826. Scott, Woodst., xxiii. Poniard, back-sword, spadroon.
