sword-bearer

American  

[sawrd-bair-er] / ˈsɔrdˌbɛər ər /

noun

British.

1. an official who carries the sword of state on ceremonial occasions, as before the sovereign, a magistrate, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of sword-bearer

First recorded in 1400–50, sword-bearer is from the late Middle English swerd berer. See sword, bearer

Example Sentences

Now a sumo wrestler whose Japanese name is an ancient word for dawn, attended by a sword-bearer and a dew sweeper, ritually purified the ground on a chilly silver morning.

From Time Magazine Archive

To Vancouver's astonishment, London's 613th Lord Mayor accepted the invitation, promised to bring with him the Lord Mayor's whole retinue, lord sheriff, macebearer, sword-bearer and city marshal.

From Time Magazine Archive

Olenka had been living for some time at Vodokty, with Anusia and the sword-bearer.

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

But the sword-bearer, coming out along the gutter of the house, saw a movement in the rear ranks of the enemy toward the fields and thickets extending along the left side of Volmontovichi.

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

"Does your highness wish to speak of the death of Prince Yanush?" asked the sword-bearer.

From The Deluge, Vol. II. (of 2) An Historical Novel of Poland, Sweden, and Russia. by Sienkiewicz, Henryk