A short sword, which is also known as a gladius, is a weapon with a blade length that is less than two feet. This type of sword is often paired with a shield for close combat purposes. However, there are many synonyms for the term "short sword" that can be used interchangeably. Some common synonyms for short sword include dirk, dagger, stiletto, poniard, and small sword. Each of these synonyms has a different historical background and can be used in different contexts. For example, the stiletto was traditionally used for thrusting, while the poniard was used primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries.