longe

[…] he parried my thrusts with great calmness, until I had almost exhausted my spirits; and when he perceived me beginning to flag, attacked me fiercely in his turn.—Finding himself however better opposed than he expected, he resolved to follow his longe, and close with me; accordingly, his sword entered my waistcoat […]

LONGE.—The training ground for the instruction of a young horse, to render him quiet, tractable, and supple; to give him free and proper use of his limbs, to form his paces, and to prepare him in all respects for the cavalry service.