bilbo

1 of 2

noun (1)

bil·bo ˈbil-(ˌ)bō

plural bilboes

: a long bar of iron with sliding shackles used to confine the feet of prisoners especially on shipboard

bilbo

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or bilboa

ˈbil-(ˌ)bō

plural bilboes or bilboas

: sword

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

perhaps from Bilboa, Spain

Noun (2)

Bilboa, Bilbao, Spain

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1557, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bilbo was in 1557

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bilbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilbo. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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