Bowie knife

See also: bowie knife

English

A Bowie knife

Alternative forms

• bowie knife

Etymology

After James "Jim" Bowie (1796-1836), American pioneer and soldier who famously used such a knife as a weapon in a duel.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbuːi naɪf/, /ˈboʊ.i naɪf/ (see note)

Noun

Bowie knife (plural Bowie knives)

1. A large sheath knife, usually of clip point style and usually with large guards at the ricasso.

   Synonym: Missouri toothpick

Usage notes

Some prescribe the pronunciation /ˈbuːi/, after James Bowie's pronunciation of his own name, but /ˈboʊ.i/ is also widespread.

See also

• hunting knife

 

Further reading

• Bowie knife on Wikipedia.Wikipedia