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Synonyms

scabbard

American  
[skab-erd] / ˈskæb ərd /

noun

  1. a sheath for a sword or the like.


verb (used with object)

  1. to put into a scabbard; sheathe.

scabbard British  
/ ˈskæbəd /

noun

  1. a holder for a bladed weapon such as a sword or bayonet; sheath

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of scabbard

1250–1300; Middle English scalburde, scauberge (compare Anglo-French escauberz, escauberge, Medieval Latin escauberca ) ≪ dissimilated variant of Old High German *skārberga sword-protection. See shear, harbor

Explanation

A scabbard is a sheath for a sword, dagger, or other type of knife. Some cooks wear their French knives in a scabbard so they'll be ready to chop no matter where they are in the kitchen. You’ve probably seen a scabbard in an older movie. The hero sheaths his sword in a long wooden, metal or leather scabbard hanging from his belt. The origins of the word, however, are not that manly. Scabbard comes from an old Germanic compound meaning "blade protector."

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Vocabulary lists containing scabbard

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The remainder of the field in the 1 1/16-mile race was Anneau d’Or, Wrecking Crew, Scabbard, Full Flat, Eight Rings, Shoplifted and Dennis’ Moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2019

Eight Rings is 9-5 and Scabbard is 9-2.

From The Guardian • Nov. 1, 2019

Eight Rings was not far off the pace but faded rapidly in the stretch, while Scabbard ran on to finish fourth.

From The Guardian • Nov. 1, 2019

Along the way, Scabbard Samurai creates an enthralling new genre: kamikaze Buster Keaton.

From Time • Jul. 6, 2012

Scabbard and hilt bore no ornament; the craftsmanship lay in its proportion and balance.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

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