[sword] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE sweord; akin to OHG swert sword] (bef. 12c) 1: a weapon (as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority
2. a: an agency or instrument of destruction or combat b: the use of force "the pen is mightier than the ~ --E. G. Bulwer -Lytton"
3: coercive power
4: something that resembles a sword -- sword.like adj -- at swords' points : mutually antagonistic: ready to fight