The fauchard is a medieval polearm. This particular weapon is an adaptation of the common agricultural scythe. A wooden pole of about 8 feet in length will have a standard scythe head attached, usually with a fluke for balance. This weapon falls under the larger category of glaive, although it is different than most other glaives. Also some fauchards will have a second fluke at the end for stabbing, this kind is properly referred to as a fauchard-fork.
The fauchard was most commonly a weapon of the peasantry, usually being converted from a a scythe. This is mainly a slashing weapon, although it is mildly effective at dismounting riders. Fauchards were good weapons for the farmers who found themselves going off to war. Because the long pole put some distance between the wielder and his enemy, and the years of scythe use most farmers had translates well into using this weapon.
Trained warriors however, rarely used the fauchard, as it is not nearly as efficient as many other similar weapons, and required a large area to wield properly, making it difficult to use in formation.