Francisca

[2] The term francisca first appeared in the book Etymologiarum sive originum, libri XVIII by Isidore of Seville (c. 560–636) as a name used in Hispania to refer to these weapons "because of their use by the Franks".

[citation needed] The historian Gregory of Tours (c. 538–594) in his History of the Franks uses two Latin terms for the Frankish axe: securis and bipennis.

The francisca is characterized by its distinctly arch-shaped head, widening toward the cutting edge and terminating in a prominent point at both the upper and lower corners.

The top of the head is usually either S-shaped or convex with the lower portion curving inward and forming an elbow with the short wooden haft.

Most franciscas have a round or teardrop-shaped eye designed to fit the tapered haft, similar to Viking axes.