Definition of: sword

(sôrd, sōrd) noun
1. A weapon consisting of a long blade fixed in a hilt: used for cutting or thrusting, as a rapier, scimitar, or claymore.
2. The power of the sword; sovereignty; the power of life and death; especially, military as opposed to civil power.
3. War; also, the cause of death or ruin.
4. An end bar from which the lay of a hand loom hangs; also, the upright support of the lay of a power loom.
—at swords' points Very unfriendly; hostile; ready for a fight.
—to put to the sword To kill with a sword; slaughter in battle. [OE sweord]