01 n. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is the general term, including the smal…
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1.
An offensive weapon, having a long and usually sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is the general term, including the small sword, rapier, saber, scimiter, and many other varieties.
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2.
Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or of authority and power.“He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain.” — Rom. xiii. 4.“She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.” — Dryden.
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3.
Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.“I came not to send peace, but a sword.” — Matt. x. 34.
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4.
The military power of a country.“He hath no more authority over the sword than over the law.” — Milton.
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5.
One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand loom is suspended.(Weaving)
Phrases & compounds
Sword arm —
the right arm.
Sword bayonet —
a bayonet shaped somewhat like a sword, and which can be used as a sword.
Sword bearer —
one who carries his master's sword; an officer in London who carries a sword before the lord mayor when he goes abroad.
Sword belt —
a belt by which a sword is suspended, and borne at the side.
Sword blade —
the blade, or cutting part, of a sword.
Sword cane —
a cane which conceals the blade of a sword or dagger, as in a sheath.
Sword dance —
A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed together by the male dancers.
Sword fight —
fencing; a combat or trial of skill with swords; swordplay.
Sword grass —
See Gladen.
Sword knot —
a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword.
Sword law —
government by the sword, or by force; violence.
Sword lily —
See Gladiolus.
Sword mat —
a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture.
Sword shrimp —
a European shrimp (Pasiphaea sivado) having a very thin, compressed body.
Sword stick —
a sword cane.
To put to the sword —
See under Put.