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épée
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thumb|right|Shown is an épée fencer, with the valid target area (the entire body) in red. The ' (, ; ), also rendered as epee' in English, is the largest and heaviest of the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. The modern derives from the 19th-century , a weapon which itself derives from the French small sword.
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thumb|right|Shown is an épée fencer, with the valid target area (the entire body) in red. The ' (, ; ), also rendered as epee' in English, is the largest and heaviest of the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. The modern derives from the 19th-century , a weapon which itself derives from the French small sword.
As a thrusting weapon, the is similar to a foil (contrasted with a sabre, which is designed for slashing). It has a stiffer blade than a foil. It is triangular in cross-section with a V-shaped groove called a fuller. The also has a larger bell guard designed to protect the user’s arm. In addition to the larger "bell" guard and blade, the weighs more than the foil and sabre which contributes to its reputation of being the slowest form of fencing. The techniques of use differ, as there are no rules regarding priority and a lack of right of way. Thus, immediate counterattacks are a common feature of fencing. The entire body is a valid target area.