Sword law

Sword Sword (s[=o]rd), n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to OFries. swerd, swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G. schwert, Icel. sver[eth], Sw. sv["a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.] 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is the general term, including the small sword, rapier, saber, scimiter, and many other varieties. [1913 Webster]

2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or of authority and power. [1913 Webster]

He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom. xiii. 4. [1913 Webster]

She quits the balance, and resigns the sword. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension. [1913 Webster]

I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x. 34. [1913 Webster]

4. The military power of a country. [1913 Webster]

He hath no more authority over the sword than over the law. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand loom is suspended. [1913 Webster]

{Sword arm}, the right arm.

{Sword bayonet}, a bayonet shaped somewhat like a sword, and which can be used as a sword.

{Sword bearer}, one who carries his master's sword; an officer in London who carries a sword before the lord mayor when he goes abroad.

{Sword belt}, a belt by which a sword is suspended, and borne at the side.

{Sword blade}, the blade, or cutting part, of a sword.

{Sword cane}, a cane which conceals the blade of a sword or dagger, as in a sheath.

{Sword dance}. (a) A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed together by the male dancers. --Sir W. Scott. (b) A dance performed over swords laid on the ground, but without touching them.

{Sword fight}, fencing; a combat or trial of skill with swords; swordplay.

{Sword grass}. (Bot.) See {Gladen}.

{Sword knot}, a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword.

{Sword law}, government by the sword, or by force; violence. --Milton.

{Sword lily}. (Bot.) See {Gladiolus}.

{Sword mat} (Naut.), a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture.

{Sword shrimp} (Zo["o]l.), a European shrimp ({Pasiph[ae]a sivado}) having a very thin, compressed body.

{Sword stick}, a sword cane.

{To measure swords with one}. See under {Measure}, v. t.

{To put to the sword}. See under {Put}. [1913 Webster]