RHOMPHÆA. This Word is found in the Latin Text of the Book of Ecclesiasticus1, the Revelations2, and much oftener in the Greek Text of the Septuagint. It answers to the Hebrew Word Chanith, a Lance3; and to Cherib, which signifies a Sword f. Rhomphæa properly signifies a large and long Sword, which was formerly in use amongst the Thracians4: Thracas quoque rhomphææ, ingentis & ipsæ longitudinis, inter adjectos undique ramos impedierunt. St. Isidore says, that rhomphæa is a long two-edged Sword, otherwise call’d Spatha. Suidas says, that this Name Rhomphæa was also given to the Pike, or to a long Dart.
Read this article in its place on the printed pages