Search the Dictionary

Without an edge; not sharp; blunt; obtuse; as, an edgeless sword or weapon.

e difficult and dangerous exploits. I love thy courage yet and bolt emprise; But here thy sword can do thee little stead. Milton.

To destroy; to put to death. "This sword hath ended him." Shak. To end up, to lift or tilt, so as to set on end; as, to end up a hogshead.

Having some object, as the head of a man or beast, impaled upon it; as, a sword which is said to be "enfiled of" the thing which it pierces.

Having sword-shaped leaves, or appendages; ensiform.

Bearing a sword.

Having the form of a sword blade; sword-shaped; as, an ensiform leaf. Ensiform cartilage, and Ensiform process. (Anat.) See Xiphisternum.

A long, heavy, two-handed and two-edged sword, formerly used by Spanish foot soldiers and by executioners. Wilhelm.

A straight, heavy sword with two edges, used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The name of King Arthur's mythical sword. [Written also Excalibar, Excalibor, Escalibar, and Caliburn.] Tennyson.

ne thing in the place of another; as, an exchange of grief for joy, or of a scepter for a sword, and the like; also, the act of giving and receiving reciprocally; as, an exchange of civilities or views.

ertion; to practice gymnastics; as, to exercise for health or amusement. I wear my trusty sword, When I do exercise. Cowper.

A broad-bladed sword, slightly curved, shorter and lighter than the ordinary sword; -- used in the Middle Ages.

Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing. Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence. Milton. Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. Macaulay.

One who fences; one who teaches or practices the art of fencing with sword or foil. As blunt as the fencer's foils. Shak.

The art or practice of attack and defense with the sword, esp. with the s,allword. See Fence, v. i., 2.

A sword bearing the mark of one of the Ferrara family of Italy. These swords were highly esteemed in England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries.

heated by fire, or as if by fire; burning hot; parched; feverish. Pope. The sword which is made fiery. Hooker. Fiery cross, a cross constructed of two firebrands, and pitched upon the point of a spear; formerly in Scotland borne by a runner as a signal for the clan to take up arms. Sir W. Scott.

With the flat side, as of a sword; flatlong; in a prostrate position. [Obs.] Spenser.

s to draw blood, especially for the first time. Full bravely hast thou fleshed Thy maiden sword. Shak. The wild dog Shall flesh his tooth on every innocent. Shak.