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sword definition

sword (sôrd)

noun

  1. a hand weapon having a long, sharp-pointed blade, usually with a sharp edge on one or both sides, set in a hilt; broadsword, rapier, saber, scimitar, etc.
    1. the sword regarded as an instrument of death, destruction, etc.
    2. power; esp., military power
    3. the military class or profession
    4. war or warfare

Etymology: ME < OE sweord, akin to Ger schwert, prob. < IE base *swer-, to cut, pierce

Related Forms:

sword Idioms

at swords' points

ready to quarrel or fight

cross swords

  1. to fight
  2. to argue violently

put to the sword

  1. to kill with a sword or swords
  2. to slaughter, esp. in war

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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A double-headed beast (double edged sword)65 years ago

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