zanbatō; long-handled anti-cavalry sword
A large, two-handed sword historically used in China and later adopted in Japan, primarily for cutting down horses and cavalry. Often appears in historical or martial arts contexts.
The zanbatō is a large sword used to counter mounted soldiers.
Descriptions of the zanbatō remain in Chinese historical records.
From Chinese 斬馬刀 (zhǎnmǎdāo), literally 'horse-cutting sword'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term refers to a large anti-cavalry blade used in East Asian warfare.