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差し添え (さしぞえ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

差さし添ぞえ

さ

し

ぞ

え

Meanings

1

noun

Refers to a short sword, often a companion sword to a longer one. The term is somewhat specialized and may appear in historical or martial contexts.

彼かれは腰こしに差さし添ぞえを帯おびていた。
He wore a short sword at his waist.

Kanji

差distinction, difference, variation
添annexed, accompany, marry

Similar words

脇わき差ざし
脇差 is the more common term for a short sword worn together with a katana. 差し添え is a less frequent synonym, possibly with a nuance of being an accompanying blade.

Etymology

Compound of 差し (sashi, 'thrusting' or 'inserting') and 添え (soe, 'accompanying'), literally 'thrust-accompanying'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term describes a short sword worn as a companion weapon.