Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CUT'LAS, n. [Fr. coutelas; Arm. contelaçzen; It. coltellaccio; Port. cutelo. This word seems to be from the L. cultellus, at least the Italian and French are so; and n in the Armoric is casual, as in other words in that dialect. The curteleaxe or curtelax of some authors, and curtax, seem to be corrupted, or they are from Sp. cortar, L. curto, to cut. Cutlas is the more correct orthography.]

A broad curving sword; a hanger; used by soldiers in the cavalry, by seamen, &c.