noun
- 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.
- the sword regarded as an instrument of death, destruction, etc.
- power; esp., military power
- the military class or profession
- war or warfare
Origin:
ME < OE sweord, akin to Ger schwert, prob. < IE base *swer-, to cut, pierce