claymore

[ kley-mawr, -mohr ]

noun

1. a two-handed sword with a double-edged blade, used by Scottish Highlanders in the 16th century.
2. a Scottish broadsword with a basket hilt.

claymore

/ ˌkleˈmor; ˈkleɪˌmɔː /

noun

1. a large two-edged broadsword used formerly by Scottish Highlanders
2. a US type of antipersonnel mine

Word History and Origins

Origin of claymore¹

First recorded in 1765–75, claymore is from Scots Gaelic claidheamh mòr “great sword”

Word History and Origins

Origin of claymore¹

C18: from Gaelic claidheamh mōr great sword

Example Sentences

But never had they faced in field so stern a charge before, And never had they felt the sweep of Scotland's broad claymore.

From Project Gutenberg

In vain the war-pipes brayed; in vain a thousand throats cried "Claymore!"

From Project Gutenberg

At this point he had to concentrate, for Mrs. Claymore leaned over and breathed into her friend's attentive ear.

From Project Gutenberg

They would then turn the enemy's flank, and after that the Highland yell and the Highland claymore must do the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

At Clifton, Murray turned on the pursuing dragoons, headed a claymore charge, and drove them back.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blade
• dagger
• saber