Bludgeon
/ˈblʌdʒ.ən/noun
A heavy, short-handled weapon used for striking.
Did you know?The term 'bludgeon' is thought to originate from a late Middle Ages term for a blunt weapon, but also carries connotations of domination in its usage.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
bludgeon
“A club or stick used for striking.”
Middle French
French
bludgeon
“A thick stick or cudgel.”
Old French
French
bludge
“A type of stick or club.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bludgingaz
“A blunt instrument or stick.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰleu̯g-
“To swell or to be heavy.”