swashbuckler

American  

[swosh-buhk-ler, swawsh-] / ˈswɒʃˌbʌk lər, ˈswɔʃ- /

Sometimes swasher

noun

1. a swaggering swordsman, soldier, or adventurer; daredevil.

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swashbuckler British  

/ ˈswɒʃˌbʌklə /

noun

1. a swaggering or flamboyant adventurer

2. a film, book, play, etc, depicting excitement and adventure, esp in a historical setting

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Etymology

Origin of swashbuckler

First recorded in 1550–60; swash + buckler

Explanation

Use the noun swashbuckler for a romantic daredevil, especially one you read about in a book or watch onscreen in a movie. Though the word preceded him by about 400 years, swashbuckler may as well have been retired with Errol Flynn, the Australian actor who was well known in the 1930's and 40's for playing a variety of roles as a swashbuckler. The word, from English components, literally means "one who makes a noise by striking his own or his opponent's shield with his sword." In the 1540's, a swashbuckler was more popularly known as a "swash."

Example Sentences

As Harry, Swashbuckler Granger reads his lines as they were written, which is a serious disservice to the writer.

From Time Magazine Archive

Thus it will be plain to the Reader that a Knight of Malta is a kind of Medley of Seaman, Swashbuckler, and Saint—Admiral Benbow, Field-Marshal Wade, and Friar Tuck all rolled up into one.

From The Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 3 Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave among the moors... by Sala, George Augustus

On the contrary, I say that if the Swashbuckler Estate, &c., &c.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, March 28, 1891 by Various

"Your humble servant, Mr. Swashbuckler," she said; and then: "But oh! you have not hurt the lad?" she demanded, with a tincture of anxiety.

From The Certain Hour by Cabell, James Branch

No; I say that if the Swashbuckler Estate is skirted, &c., &c.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, March 28, 1891 by Various

Related Words

• adventurer