SWORD

[noun] [C] - a weapon with a long sharp metal blade and a handle, used esp. in the pastSir Lancelot drew (= took out of its cover) his sword.The magician intoned the magic words as he raised his ceremonial sword.See picture: Blades(literary) (literary) Thousands of people were put to the sword (= killed).If you have a sword of Damocles hanging over you/your head, something bad seems very likely to happen to you.Government threats to cut the budget by 50% are hanging over the Opera House like a sword of Damocles.(literary) To beat/turn swords into ploughshares is to change to a peaceful way of life and spend money on peaceful things rather than weapons.