Carried primarily as a secondary weapon, the parry dagger enjoyed great popularity in the late Middle Ages and especially during the Renaissance. Wielded in the left hand (hence also known as the main gauche, French for 'left hand'), it was usually used in conjunction with a primary weapon, sword or rapier, for a two-handed fighting style.
With its prominent guard, which offered protection to the left hand and appeared in many variations (straight, S-shaped, sloped downward, sometimes fitted with an additional ring or shell), this secondary weapon was essentially defensive in nature, designed to parry, deflect, block, or trap enemy blades in close combat. However, he was also effective on offense and quite capable of stabbing an opponent.
In addition, the artfully crafted and richly ornamented daggers were also used as a fashionable display of wealth by knights and wealthy citizens, who ostentatiously wore them as a status symbol.