The Collaborative International Dictionary
Sword \Sword\ (s[=o]rd), n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to OFries. swerd, swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G. schwert, Icel. sver[eth], Sw. sv["a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.]
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.
-
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. -
Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.
I came not to send peace, but a sword.
--Matt. x. 3 -
4. The military power of a country.
He hath no more authority over the sword than over the law.
--Milton. -
(Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand loom is suspended. 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.
--Sir W. Scott.-
A dance performed over swords laid on the ground, but without touching them.
Sword fight, fencing; a combat or trial of skill with swords; swordplay.
Sword grass. (Bot.) See Gladen.
Sword knot, a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword.
Sword law, government by the sword, or by force; violence.
--Milton.Sword lily. (Bot.) See Gladiolus.
Sword mat (Naut.), a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture.
Sword shrimp (Zo["o]l.), a European shrimp ( Pasiph[ae]a sivado) having a very thin, compressed body.
Sword stick, a sword cane.
To measure swords with one. See under Measure, v. t.
To put to the sword. See under Put.