The word for today is…
mensur (noun):
: a traditional form of academic fencing practiced by some student fraternities in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Source : Wikipaedia
Etymology : Mensur is not primarily about winning or defeating an opponent, but rather about developing personal character, discipline, and resilience. The practice involves two participants facing each other at a fixed distance and using specialized swords (Schläger) to strike the opponent's head or face. A key aspect of Mensur is the "Schmiss," a facial scar that can result from the practice. The so-called Mensurschläger (or simply Schläger, 'hitter') existed in two versions. The most common weapon was the Korbschläger with a basket-type guard. In some universities in the eastern part of Germany, the so-called Glockenschläger was in use; it was equipped with a bell-shaped guard. The individual duels between students, known as Mensuren, were somewhat ritualised. In some cases, protective clothing was worn, including padding on the arm and an eye guard.The culture of dueling scars was mainly common in Germany and Austria, to a lesser extent some Central European countries and briefly at places such as Oxford, and some other elite universities. German military laws permitted men to wage duels of honour until World War I. During the Third Reich the Mensur was prohibited at all universities following the party line. Within the duel, it was seen as ideal and a way of showing courage to be able to stand and take the blow, as opposed to inflicting the wound. It was important to show one's duelling prowess, but also that one was capable of taking the wound that was inflicted.
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