Definitions
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun A light sword used for thrusting only; especially, the sword worn by civilians of rank in the eighteenth century.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A small sword
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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During the 17th and 18th centuries, the shorter “smallsword” became an essential fashion accessory in European countries and the New World, and most wealthy men and military officers carried one.
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Slightly chastened by this episode, I accepted without argument the men's judgment that even the lighter smallsword was too heavy for me to wield efficiently.
Sick Cycle Carousel 2010
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I had a smallsword, but the panther was on me before I had time to draw it.
Wildfire Sarah Micklem 2009
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I had a smallsword, but the panther was on me before I had time to draw it.
Wildfire Sarah Micklem 2009
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I had a smallsword, but the panther was on me before I had time to draw it.
Wildfire Sarah Micklem 2009
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From these, in a narrow and a dirty street devoted to such callings, Mr Wegg selects one dark shop-window with a tallow candle dimly burning in it, surrounded by a muddle of objects vaguely resembling pieces of leather and dry stick, but among which nothing is resolvable into anything distinct, save the candle itself in its old tin candlestick, and two preserved frogs fighting a smallsword duel.
Our Mutual Friend 2004
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My mind went blank, then blazed with the reassuring vision of his smallsword, hung by its belt from a hook on the wardrobe, sun glowing on the enameled hilt.
Dragonfly in Amber Gabaldon, Diana 1992
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Both gifted swordsmen, and both left-handed, uncle and nephew were putting on a skilled display-a show made more impressive by the fact that they were fighting in accordance with the most exacting rules of French dueling, but using neither the rapier-like smallsword that formed part of a gentleman's costume, nor the saber of a soldier.
Dragonfly in Amber Gabaldon, Diana 1992
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As was, rage sharpened my wit to serve for the smallsword I left at home.
A different flesh Turtledove, Harry 1988
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Malone already had his hand on the butt of the .44 Magnum under his left armpit, and he even had time to be grateful, for once, that it wasn't a smallsword.
Brain Twister Laurence M. Janifer 1967
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