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.

---

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

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

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

But more frequently the sword-bearer went with Olenka only on these circuits, for land management was irksome to Anusia.

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

Here the sword-bearer, red as blood and with bristling forelock, fell to pounding the table with his fist.

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

Further conversation was interrupted by the sword-bearer and Panna Kulvyets.

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