Halberd – an ardent cutting and stabbing edged weapon with a combined tip consisting of a needle-shaped (round or faceted) pike point and the blade of a battle axe with a sharp point. It was used by the infantry of a number of European countries from the XIII to XVII centuries, becoming most widespread in the XV-XVI centuries as an effective weapon against well-defended cavalry. It was later used as a ceremonial weapon, and is still in service with the Vatican's Swiss Guard.