sword

sword

noun, often attributive \ˈsȯrd\

Definition of SWORD

1

: a weapon (as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority

2

a : an agency or instrument of destruction or combat

b : the use of force <the pen is mightier than the sword — E. G. Bulwer-Lytton>

3

: coercive power

4

: something that resembles a sword

— sword·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— at swords' points

: mutually antagonistic : ready to fight

Examples of SWORD

1. <once upon a time dueling with swords was the gentlemanly way to settle a point of honor>

Illustration of SWORD

Origin of SWORD

Middle English, from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swert sword

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SWORD

Synonyms

blade, brand, steel

Related Words

broadsword, cutlass, rapier, saber (or sabre), scimitar, smallsword

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

Rhymes with SWORD

board, chord, cord, cored, floored, ford, gourd, hoard, horde, lord, oared, pored, sward, ward

sword

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Hand weapon consisting of a long metal blade fitted with a handle or hilt. Roman swords had a short, flat blade and a hilt distinct from the blade. Medieval European swords were heavy and equipped with a large hilt and a protective guard, or pommel. The blade was straight, double-edged, and pointed. The introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but led to new designs; the discarding of body armour required the swordsman to be able to parry, and the rapier, a double-edged sword with a narrow, pointed blade, came into use. Swords with curved blades were used in India and Persia and were introduced into Europe by the Turks, whose scimitar, with its curved, single-edged blade, was modified in the West to the cavalry sabre. Japanese swords are renowned for their hardness and extreme sharpness; they were the weapon of the samurai. Repeating firearms ended the value of the sword as a military weapon, though its continued use in duels led to the modern sport of fencing. See also kendo.