Definition of the word saber

The word "saber" derives from the Spanish word "sable," which means "true" or "real" in Old French. The term originally referred to a specific type of curved sword used by Spanish and Portuguese cavalry in the 16th century, known as the "espada rígida de avanzada" or simply "espada de montar" ("rigid sword for attack" or "cavalry sword"). The Spanish adaptation of the French word "sable" to describe this weapon likely came about due to the high quality of steel used in its production, which distinguished it from other bladed weapons typically used for slicing or chopping, such as the "ESPADÍN" or "BASTARD SWORD" with straight edges. The term "saber" has since come to encompass various types of weapons that employ a curved blade, including the sleeker, more streamlined cavalry sabers used during the American Civil War and later adopted by the Union Army's 1st U.S. Cavalry Division in the late 19th century, known as the "M1860" and "M1869" cavalry sabers. These sabers were designed to enable soldiers to deliver quick, precise strikes to their foes while mounted on horseback. In modern military terminology, the term "saber" is mostly used ceremonially, to refer to the ceremonial sword worn by officers as a symbol of their rank and authority within military hierarchy. The US Military's ceremonial saber, the "Model 1942"/"SF" saber or "NCO sword," is still used today in military ceremonies and honors events, reinforcing the rich and culturallydeep history behind this storied weapon's name.