noun
striking with the back of the sword
A sword technique where the blunt back (棟) is used to strike, often to subdue without cutting. Compare 峰打ち, which is a more common term for the same concept.
See also: 峰打ち
彼は相手を殺さずに、むね打ちで気絶させた。
He knocked out his opponent with a strike from the back of the sword, without killing him.
More common term for striking with the back of the sword. 棟打ち is a less frequent variant.
Compound of 棟 (むね, 'ridge' or 'back of a blade') and 打ち (うち, 'striking').