FENCING, is the proper use of the small-sword or foil. The small-sword is a light court-dress sword, made to taper gradually from the hilt to the point, and of a size regulated by the judgment of the wearer, if he understand the use of the weapon. The foil, with which the art of fencing is practised, is a small quadrangular blade, about the length of a small sword, and mounted in nearly the same manner; but, for the convenience of the exercise, it is made lighter, blunted, and covered with leather at the point, to prevent accidents in practice.
The first weapon in use among mankind, whether for offensive or defensive purposes, appears to have been the sword, and combat with this weapon is perhaps nearly as old as the world. The most ancient book extant makes frequent mention of the sword, and the same thing may be