sword-bearer

American  

[sawrd-bair-er] / ˈsɔrdˌbɛər ər /

noun

British.

1. an official who carries the sword of state on ceremonial occasions, as before the sovereign, a magistrate, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of sword-bearer

First recorded in 1400–50, sword-bearer is from the late Middle English swerd berer. See sword, bearer

Example Sentences

Now a sumo wrestler whose Japanese name is an ancient word for dawn, attended by a sword-bearer and a dew sweeper, ritually purified the ground on a chilly silver morning.

From Time Magazine Archive

To Vancouver's astonishment, London's 613th Lord Mayor accepted the invitation, promised to bring with him the Lord Mayor's whole retinue, lord sheriff, macebearer, sword-bearer and city marshal.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I too knew of that will," continued the sword-bearer, "but at the first moment I did not think it an invincible impediment."

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

The sword-bearer did not wish at first to read the letter, but soon changed his mind, following in this the advice of Olenka, who thought it better to know all the plans of the enemy.

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

Who knows whether the sword-bearer did not seize that idea of Olenka so quickly because he too in his soul was somewhat afraid of Sakovich, who brought to despair, might be terrible?

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk