'Sword law' definitions:

Definition of 'Sword law'

From: GCIDE
  • Sword \Sword\ (s[=o]rd), n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to OFries. swerd, swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G. schwert, Icel. sver[eth], Sw. sv[aum]rd, Dan. svaerd; of uncertain origin.]
  • 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is the general term, including the small sword, rapier, saber, scimiter, and many other varieties. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or of authority and power. [1913 Webster]
  • He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom. xiii. 4. [1913 Webster]
  • She quits the balance, and resigns the sword. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension. [1913 Webster]
  • I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x. 34. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The military power of a country. [1913 Webster]
  • He hath no more authority over the sword than over the law. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand loom is suspended. [1913 Webster]
  • Sword arm, the right arm.
  • Sword bayonet, a bayonet shaped somewhat like a sword, and which can be used as a sword.
  • Sword bearer, one who carries his master's sword; an officer in London who carries a sword before the lord mayor when he goes abroad.
  • Sword belt, a belt by which a sword is suspended, and borne at the side.
  • Sword blade, the blade, or cutting part, of a sword.
  • Sword cane, a cane which conceals the blade of a sword or dagger, as in a sheath.
  • Sword dance. (a) A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed together by the male dancers. --Sir W. Scott. (b) A dance performed over swords laid on the ground, but without touching them.
  • Sword fight, fencing; a combat or trial of skill with swords; swordplay.
  • Sword grass. (Bot.) See Gladen.
  • Sword knot, a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword.
  • Sword law, government by the sword, or by force; violence. --Milton.
  • Sword lily. (Bot.) See Gladiolus.
  • Sword mat (Naut.), a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture.
  • Sword shrimp (Zool.), a European shrimp ({Pasiphaea sivado}) having a very thin, compressed body.
  • Sword stick, a sword cane.
  • To measure swords with one. See under Measure, v. t.
  • To put to the sword. See under Put. [1913 Webster]