The term 'du combat' is a French phrase meaning 'of the fight' or 'of the battle'. It is often used to refer to fencing, and in particular the sport of epee. Épee is a type of fencing weapon that is heavier than the foil and sabre, and is characterized by its triangular cross-section and a large bell guard. It is the heaviest of the three weapons used in fencing, and is considered the most difficult to master.