Glossary of Fencing Terms.

An extensive glossary of terms is available in the FAQ document. (See "Other Info on the Web".)
 This is a slightly abbreviated and anglicised and TFC'd version of it.

when the blades are not touching; opposite of engagement.
Advance
a movement forward by step, cross, or balestra.
AFA / Amateur Fencing Association
the former name of the BFA.
Assault
a friendly combat between two fencers, not scoring (now rarely used - they’re usually called bouts.)
Attack
the initial offensive action made by extending the sword arm and continuously threatening the valid target of the opponent.
Attaque au Fer
also attack on the blade: an attack that is prepared by deflecting the opponent's blade, e.g. a beat, froissement, pressure.

see British Academy of Fencing.
Balestra
a forward hop or jump, typically followed by an attack such as a lunge or fleche.
Beat
a preparation for an attack, consisting of a sharp tap on the opponent's blade, sufficient to deflect it..
Bind
an action in which the opponent's blade is forced into the diagonally opposite line, the blades remaining in contact throughout.
Black Card
used to indicate the most serious offences in a fencing competition. The offending fencer is usually expelled from the event or tournament.
Bout
an assault at which the score is kept.
British Academy of fencing
the controlling body for professional fencers (coaches, etc.) in the UK.
British Fencing Association
the controlling body for amateur fencers in the UK. (Formerly the Amateur Fencing Association.)
Broken Time
an action, usually an attack, made with a break or pause in the middle; used to fool the opponent into responding at the wrong time.
Butcher
TFC term for a sabreur with limited lightness-of-hand.
Button
the safety tip on the end of swords.