TIERCE.

It is formed by turning the hand with the nails downwards, and crossing to the opposite side some six or eight inches, the hand and point at the same elevation as before; this will guard this opening. If, however, the attack has been made under instead of over the hand, then the proper parade would have been seconde.

There is another method of parade called quarte over the arm—which is executed by making about the same parade as in Tierce, with this exception—first, the hand is retained in its original position, with the nails upwards, and secondly, the point is not raised over the eye of the adversary.

It is rather more delicate than Tierce, but wants its power and energy. The ripostes, or reply thrusts, are made as they would have been had the parade been that of Tierce.