What is cudgels?

Cudgels are a type of weapon that typically consist of a short, heavy stick used for hitting or striking an opponent. They were a popular weapon throughout history and were commonly used by various armies and militias. Cudgels could be made from a variety of materials, including wood, bone, or metal, and could be used for offense or defense. The term "cudgel" is often used metaphorically to describe a physical or verbal assault, as in "he was verbally beaten with a cudgel."