1. a short, heavy sword with a curved blade, historically used by sailors and pirates
Usage: also spelled cutlass; nautical/historical

Examples

• The pirate captain drew his cutlas from its sheath.
• Sailors aboard the ship were trained to use a cutlas in combat.
• The museum displayed an 18th-century cutlas with an ornate handle.
• He swung the cutlas in a wide arc to defend the vessel.
• The cutlas was shorter and heavier than a typical sword, making it ideal for close quarters fighting.