smallsword

[smawl-sawrd, -sohrd]

noun

1. a light, tapering sword for thrusting, formerly used in fencing or dueling.

smallsword

/ ˈsmɔːlˌsɔːd /

noun

1. a light sword used in the 17th and 18th centuries: formerly a fencing weapon

Word History and Origins

Origin of smallsword¹

First recorded in 1680–90; small + sword

Example Sentences

One felt that the delivery of a hat, smallsword, cane, or message possessed at least the dignity, the entire absence of all worldly considerations that belong to the Sunday alms.

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Finally he made him proficient in the polite use of the smallsword and the dice-box.

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Bundesrath. switch, v. whip, flog; shunt, shift. swollen, a. tumid, tumefied, bloated, purled up. sword, n. rapier, saber, scimiter, brand, curtana, claymore, smallsword, glaive, broadsword, cutlass, Damascus blade, spadroon, creese.

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Fine words, worthy of history's record, with only the blemish that they were addressed to little scamps not higher than their boot-boxes, and who were quite incapable of holding a smallsword.

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Related Words

• blade 
• dagger 
• saber