cuesword

A cuesword is a fictional or speculative weapon described as a hybrid between a billiards cue and a sword. In fictional contexts, a cuesword typically features a long, cylindrical shaft resembling a pool cue, with a blade concealed within the tip or along the shaft. The design allows rapid thrusting and close-quarters strikes while preserving the outward appearance of a sport cue, enabling concealment in urban or espionage settings.

Variations exist: in some depictions, the blade is retractable or detachable, and the cue can be used for non-lethal striking if blunted. Materials range from simple wood to metal-reinforced cores; some versions employ ergonomic grips and balance optimized for one-handed use. The blade length is usually shorter than a standard sword, classifying it in many systems as a compact or exotic melee weapon.

In fiction, cueswords are used by spies, duelists, or stage performers who require a hidden weapon. They appear in role-playing games, fantasy novels, and graphic media as items with stealth and flourish, rather than as standard military arms. The concept is primarily a storytelling or game design device, and real-world references are scarce.

Related terms include cue sports, swords, hidden blades, and other hybrid weapons used for concealment or dramatic effect.