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.
Usage examples of "sword belt".
His boots and hauberk were nowhere to be found, but Truthseeker was hanging by its sword belt on a tent pole hook.
The Gnome was one of the familiar hunters, clothed in a leather tunic, hunting boots, and sword belt.
Then the general put on a kilt, made up of bronze reinforced leather strips, and added his sword belt.
He put his arms round her, her skin was pressed against his uniform, his sword belt, his ammunition pouch, and she clung to him and he stared at the dark bulk of the San Vincente and he swore that the enemy would never reach her, never, not while there was breath in his body or while his arm could lift the heavy sword whose hilt was cold on her flank.