Spanish dagger

noun

1. a stemless or short-trunked plant, Yucca gloriosa, of the agave family, native to the southeastern United States, having leaves nearly 2½ feet (75 centimeters) long, with a stiff, sharp point, and greenish-white or reddish flowers nearly 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spanish dagger¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Blasting unearthed a 16th century Spanish dagger, arrowheads, and fossils of ancient monkeys, horses, camels and a long-extinct creature known as a “bear dog.”

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On the flagstone paving beneath both lanterns there were old plantation pots in which Spanish daggers grew and extended their sharply pointed stilettos.

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He stood, a tall palmetto-tree   With Spanish daggers guarding it;   Nor deed, nor word, to him seemed fit While she prayed on so silently.

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This and the earlier Spanish dagger with a thumb-ring were distinctively the weapons of professional soldiers.

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The Spanish daggers were very numerous, as were also mescal plants, both of these forming veritable thickets in places.

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