\Sword\, n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to OFries. swerd,
swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G. schwert, Icel.
sver?, 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.
2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or
   of authority and power.
         He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom.
                                               xiii. 4.
         She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.
                                               --Dryden.
3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.
         I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x.
                                               34.
4. The military power of a country.
         He hath no more authority over the sword than over
         the law.                              --Milton.
5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand
   loom is suspended.
{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}.