Epees are a type of blunt-edged sword that were popular in the 19th century. They were used for fencing and were characterized by their light weight and thin blades. The term 'epee' is derived from the French word for sword, 'epee'. Epees were designed to be safer than traditional swords, as they had a rounded tip and lacked a sharp edge. This made them ideal for fencing practice and competitions.