Zanmatō (斬魔刀?, lit. Slashing Demon Blade) is a pun based on Zanbatō (斬馬刀?, lit. Slashing Horse Blade). In addition to sounding similar, ma is also an alternative reading of 馬?.
The Zanbatō on the other hand is a giant weapon supposedly made to cut down a horse and its rider in one swing.
Usage
See Special:Whatlinkshere/Etymology:Zanmato for a list of articles using this term.
This is an etymology page: a page detailing the origins of terminology used in the series in regards to real world culture and history.
