Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cutlass \Cut"lass\ (k[u^]t"las), n.; pl. Cutlasses (-[e^]z).
[F. coutelas (cf. It. coltellaccio), augm. fr. L. cuttellus a
small knife, dim. of culter knife. See Colter, and cf.
Curtal ax.]
A short, heavy, curving sword, used in the navy. See Curtalax.
[1913 Webster] cutlass fish