from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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[aum]rd, Dan. svaerd; of
uncertain origin.]
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.
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He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom.
xiii. 4.
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She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.
--Dryden.
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3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.
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I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x.
34.
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4. The military power of a country.
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He hath no more authority over the sword than over
the law. --Milton.
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5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand
loom is suspended.
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{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) A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed
together by the male dancers. --Sir W. Scott.
(b) 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} (Zool.), a European shrimp ({Pasiphaea
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}.
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