dagger

[dag-er]

noun

1. a short, swordlike weapon with a pointed blade and a handle, used for stabbing.

2. Also called obelisk. Printing.,  a mark (†) used especially for references.

verb (used with object)

1. to stab with or as if with a dagger.

2. Printing.,  to mark with a dagger.

dagger

/ ˈdæɡə /

noun

1. a short stabbing weapon with a pointed blade

2. Also called: obelisk. a character (†) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp to a footnote

3. in a state of open hostility

4. to glare with hostility; scowl

verb

1. to mark with a dagger

2. archaic,  to stab with a dagger

Word History and Origins

Origin of dagger¹

1350–1400; Middle English, probably alteration of Old French dague, of obscure origin; dag ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dagger¹

C14: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. look daggers at, to look at angrily, threateningly, or with hate.

More idioms and phrases containing dagger

• look daggers

Example Sentences

I try not to make extended eye contact with any of the people around the table—everyone but Autumn is sending me daggers.

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As for Cassiopeia, she had knitted a collection of eye patches for playing at pirates, and a holster to fit a toy dagger that Beowulf had gnawed for her out of a fallen tree branch.

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Moments later, his siblings snuck up behind him, bearing imaginary daggers.

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Then, when the bull’s guard was down, she brandished a dagger to deliver the final blow.

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One woman said: "It has been cloak and dagger throughout this whole process. We can't get a straight answer as to what has changed so drastically to allow the park to be built on?"

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Related Words

• bayonet 
• blade 
• sword