ancient longsword
Historical term for a type of long sword used in ancient Japan, distinct from the later katana or tachi.
An ancient longsword was on display at the museum.
太刀 is a later, more general term for a long sword, while 長太刀 specifically refers to an ancient, longer variant.
刀 is the generic term for a katana, which is a curved, single-edged sword; 長太刀 is an older, longer type.
Standard kanji spelling for this historical longsword.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 長太刀.
Compound of 長 (naga, 'long') and 太刀 (tachi, 'long sword'), with rendaku voicing. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term refers to an ancient longsword predating the classic tachi.