<Li> Type XVIa is the classical "longsword" of the 14th and 15th centuries . These blades are long and slowly tapering, with a flat hexagonal blade cross-section and a fuller running along one third of the blade . They represent an optimised compromise between thrusting capability and retaining good cutting characteristics . </Li> <Li> Type XVII is a shorter - lived type, popular during the mid-14th to early 15th century . These blades are long, slender and acutely tapering, approaching the outline of type XVa, while still retaining a narrow hexagonal cross-section and a shallow fuller running along about one quarter of the blade . </Li> <Li> Types XVIIIb and XVIIIc represent the later longswords of the mid-15th to early 16th centuries . They have a flattened diamond cross-section, often with pronounced mid-rib, some being hollow - ground . Type XVIIIb blades are slender, comparable to XVa blades but longer, measuring between 90 and 107 cm, with a correspondingly longer grip, often waisted for comfortable two - handed use . Type XVIIIc blades are somewhat broader and shorter (about 85 cm), and sometimes have a short and narrow fuller . </Li> <Li> Type XX blades are broad, with lenticular or octagonal cross-sections . Their defining characteristics is that they have three fullers, a shallow central fuller running along half the blade's length, with two shallow parallel fullers along the first quarter . They were in use during the 14th and 15th centuries . Sub-type XXa has a more acutely tapering blade and a more acute point . </Li>

Where does the term bastard sword come from