Glaive vs. Halberd — What's the Difference?

A glaive (or glave) is a European polearm, consisting of a single-edged blade on the end of a pole. It is similar to the Japanese naginata, the Chinese guandao and pudao, the Korean woldo, the Russian sovnya, and the Siberian palma.

A halberd (also called halbard, halbert or Swiss voulge) is a two-handed pole weapon that came to prominent use during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The word halberd is most likely equivalent to the German word Hellebarde, deriving from Middle High German halm (handle) and barte (battleaxe) joined to form helmbarte.

A sword, especially a broadsword.

A combined spear and battleaxe.

A light lance with a long, sharp-pointed head.

A weapon of the 1400s and 1500s having an axelike blade and a steel spike mounted on the end of a long shaft.

(historical) A weapon consisting of a pole with a large blade fixed on the end, the edge of which is on the outside curve.

A two-handed pole weapon, consisting of a long pole with an axe-like blade mounted on it (at a right angle like an axe, not on the tip like a spear), and (opposite the blade) typically a spike or hook.

A sword, particularly a broadsword.

An ancient long-handled weapon, of which the head had a point and several long, sharp edges, curved or straight, and sometimes additional points. The heads were sometimes of very elaborate form.

A weapon formerly used, consisting of a large blade fixed on the end of a pole, whose edge was on the outside curve; also, a light lance with a long sharp-pointed head.

A pike fitted with an ax head

A sword; - used poetically and loosely.