Rapaire (should have an accent acute over the first a): m.: raipear (accents acute over the first a and the e): m: Rapier.

Rapaire (without the accents): m.: ropaire: m. 1. Thruster, stabber; violent person...2. Cut-purse, robber; scoundrel...3. Hist.: Rapparee.

                     Niall O Donaill, et al. Focloir Gaeilge-Bearla (Baile Atha Cliath: Oifig an tSolathair, 1977)


"Rapparee", "highwayman" and "Tory" are names that ring with romance and danger. Place the "bold" or "Captain" before them and the image of the swashbuckling outlaw-adventurer is complete. He is handsome, dashing, brave, and willingly risks his life to help penniless widows facing eviction at the hands of tyrannical landlords.

                   Stephen Dunford. The Irish Highwaymen. (Dublin: Wolfhound Press ed., 2005).

I have both a rapier AND a small sword. Both are good steel and could be used in combat. Yes, I know how to use each effectively.