a little pointed dagger, very sharp edged; borne in the hand, or at the girdle, or hid in the pocket. The word is formed from the French poignard, and that from poignée, "handful."—The poniard was anciently in very great use; but it is now in a good measure set aside, except among assassins.—Sword and poniard were the ancient arms of duellists; and are said to continue still to among the Spaniards. The practice of sword and poniard still make a part of the exercise taught by the masters of defence.