no, even in modern japanese, a katana is a particular kind of sword. other notable japanese swords, the dai-katana (think greatsword made like a katana), the tachi, an even larger version, used from horseback, the ninja-to, a shorter, straight blade weapon, with a chisel point for penetrating armor, easily hidden in robes, used for assasination. the katana was worn in a grouping called the daisho, which included the wakisazi, a smaller katata, and or the tanto, a dagger. (dont get me started on yari and naginata and their various forms)
(i swear, the lack of knowledge on some things around here just shocks me) but yeah, the unitarian jihad page has a name generator on it. several friends and i were messing around with it a few days back. it pulls up a weapon, a style, and a thing to apply that style to. lots of laughs. On 4/14/05, Jed Rothwell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Grimer wrote: > > Since I had no idea what "katana" meant I thought I would > give the definition for any other Vorts who are equally > orientally challenged. ;-) > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > A slightly curved sword, with its convex edge sharpened, > used since the Ashikaga period (1333-1474). It was one > of the weapons used by the Bushi class . . . > I do not know about Ashikaga period Japanese, but in modern Japanese it just > means "sword." Any kind, as far as I know. > > - Jed > -- "Monsieur l'abb�, I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write" Voltaire
