Nope, Roworth also includes traversing steps, with a diagram for them. He also describes how some people use them defensively. He says to use thse steps also for getting a better position in terms of ground and sun in the eyes, and describes some of their uses in various parts oft he manual. I should get on to this topic at some point in this series, but there is a loooong list.

I have always thought that part was a little vague and not well described. I believe the intention of it is that you are able to lean out a little bit more from the cut coming at you. Because he describes a similar slip against a cut to the inside and outside. To the inside cut he steps back and to the right, squaring you up and allowing you to rest back on the right leg further away from the cut. Against the outside cut as you have asked about he does indeed say to move the right foot back and then to the left, and notice his mention of the whole body. So what I think he is saying here is a traverse step. So the right foot comes back to the left and then goes behind it. This is called a triangle step in some systems like Meyer for example, and is a common defensive step there. This again allows you to lean out away from the cut to your outside and gain more room. I think this is re-enforced by the opening to the section where he talks about slipping and if slipping the hand is not enough you do this. So you are stepping away from danger and in both cases arching your body away by using the right foot to support the lean.

Thank you for the thorough reply! Much appreciated. I will try this - but also realized on re-reading that he says at the end of the paragraph „I have mentioned this method… but not with the intention of recommending it“

The first edition says to do it with St. George's Guard, while later editions (at least the third and fourth, not sure about the second edition) instruct to slip with every parry.

Yes, the system is for all cut and thrust swords used on foot, ranging from cutlass/hanger to cavalry swords.

@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing thank you

Not during every action in every source, the amount varies from one to another source. The Taylor/Angelo 10 lessons are the most extreme example where they do indeed slip on every parry except when setting up timed hits. This was a principle developed to keep the user as safe as possible at all times. Removing the leg means the opponent cannot re-direct to it, or strike it on recovery. The extra distance from the opponent when defending also gives more time to react and results in taking less frequent and also less extreme hits. It also sets up timed hits. Look at the contemporary The disadvantage is that some ripostes can be slower. A contemporary to the above source, Mathewson, only slips on head and leg attacks. Move forward further into Victorian swordsmanship and you will only see the slip on leg cuts only, though there are images of Scottish troops still using the common leg slip. It;s a strong defensive strategy.