The weapon that is closest to the point of reference.

Comments:

Lead can refer to any weapon, but is most often associated with a hand or foot.

The Lead Weapon is closest to the reference point and therefore is the one most likely to be used first in any offensive and/or defensive maneuver and/or method, but this is not a requirement.

The Lead Weapon is commonly the minor weapon (e.g. the left hand/foot), with the Trailing Weapon being the major weapon (e.g. the right hand/foot).

The Lead Weapon is most commonly the Gauge Weapon for the upper extremities, but the Trailing Weapon when referring to the lower extremities.

Due to specific rotations of stances, there is not always a Lead Weapon. In those cases, Availability of Weapon and specific strategy usually determine the Lead Weapon.

A.K.A.:

Lead Hand, Lead Foot

Opposite(s):

Gauge Weapon, Trailing Weapon

Related Definition(s):

Contact, Degree, Gauge, Jam, Penetration, Range, Weapon

Related Term(s):

Availability of Target, Availability of Weapon, Dimensional Stages of Action, Eyeless Sight, Object Obscurity, Stages of Range