A partisan (also partizan) is a type of polearm that was used in Europe during medieval times. It consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long shaft (usually made of wood) with protrusions on the sides, which aided in the user in parrying sword thrusts. Like the halberd, it quickly became obsolete with the arrival of practical firearms, though it stayed in use for many years as a ceremonial weapon after it had become obsolete. In profile, the head of a partisan may look similar to that of a ranseur, ox tongue, or spetum.