corps-a-corps

English edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from French corps-à-corps meaning "body to body".

Noun edit

(fencing) The action of two fencers coming into physical contact with one another with any portion of their bodies or hilts.

Usage notes edit

While physical contact is illegal in foil and sabre bouts, in epee fencing contact between fencers can be made as long as it doesn't include force (intentional or not).