A voulge (also spelled vouge,[1] sometimes called a couteau de breche) is a type of polearm that existed in medieval Europe, primarily in 15th century France.[2]
A voulge would usually have a narrow single-edged blade mounted with a socket on a shaft. The weapon could additionally feature shaft reinforcements called langets and rondel protection for the hands at the base of the blade.[3] Troops that used the weapon are called voulgiers.[4]
It is a weapon noted to have been used by the Franc-Archers and is also depicted in artwork of their creation. There is a popular erroneous definition of the word voulge in modern times, which refers to a pointy cleaver-like weapon blade attached to the shaft with two hoops like a bardiche. This definition is incorrect and started in the 19th century with Viollet le Duc, and the weapon in question is an early form of halberd.[5]