The words "pedang" (pedhang) and "sundang" are from the Malay language, and mean simply "sword". The term is typically used to refer to a variety of swords found in the Malay region for which there are not other, more specific names. Pedangs are generally short ( with respect to say, an European long sword) but longer than other swords in the region. They may have either a straight or slightly curved blade and it is of even width. They are generally single edged and what we might think of as a "stabbing" or thrust weapon, not a "slashing" weapon.
