cudgel

A cudgel is a short, thick wooden club used as a blunt weapon. It is designed for close-quarters impact and typically consists of a solid piece of hardwood. Some examples feature a knob or flare at the grip end to aid handling or to deliver concentrated blows. The form is simple and robust, and it is often associated with improvised or readily available armaments.

In design terms, cudgels are usually compact, measuring roughly 12 to 24 inches in length, with a stout shaft that can withstand heavy striking. Variants may have a rounded head, a slightly tapered middle, or a grip fashioned to prevent slipping. While most are plain, some historical examples show basic decoration or simple wraps for grip.

Historically, cudgels were among the most common and accessible weapons in many cultures. They were carried by peasants, guards, and travelers for personal defense and could serve as tools in rural life. In literature and art, a cudgel often represents rustic strength or authority. The term has also entered legal and historical contexts to describe blunt-force weapons used in street fighting or policing.

Today, the cudgel is largely a historical or literary reference, with modern close-quarters tools typically called batons or truncheons. In many jurisdictions, possession of a cudgel or any similar bludgeon may be regulated, reflecting its status as a weapon rather than a tool. See also bludgeon, club, baton, truncheon, and mace.