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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

sword-breaker en · NOUN

Meanings

  1. A short sword or dagger with a deeply notched or toothed blade, or with secondary projections, designed to catch or grapple an opponent's weapon.
    • The deepest indentations are in the so-called Sword-breakers (brise-épées), mostly of the fifteenth century. 1884, Richard F[rancis] Burton, “The Sword: What is It?”, in The Book of the Sword, London: Chatto and Windus, […], →OCLC, page 138:
  2. (uncommon) A notch or projection on a dagger, etc., designed to catch an opponent's weapon.
    • The dagger has the triangular knuckle-guard peculiar to the period, also straight quillons, fluted pommel and similar grip; the blade is 18 in. long, 2 in. wide at the hilt, where it is furnished with two sword-breakers. 1904, Guy Francis Laking, The Armoury of Windsor Castle: European Section, page 32:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
sword-breakers Number=Plur lexicographic
swordbreaker alternative lexicographic
sword breaker alternative lexicographic