gladius

[ gley-dee-uhs ]

noun

, plural gla·di·i [gley, -dee-ahy].

1. a short sword used in ancient Rome by legionaries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gladius¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1510–20

Example Sentences

The fish referred to is in all likelihood Histiophorus gladius, a species very closely related to, if not identical with, our own.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a common saying that Gula plures occidit quam gladius.

From Project Gutenberg

The European species, common in the Mediterranean, is the Xiphias gladius of naturalists.

From Project Gutenberg

Slowly he drew his short-bladed, heavy gladius from its sheath.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll take that sword there—no scabbard—and two daggers, besides my gladius.

From Project Gutenberg