Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Sword \Sword\, n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to OFries. swerd,
   swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G. schwert, Icel.
   sver?, Sw. sv["a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; 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.

   2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or
      of authority and power.

            He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom.
                                                  xiii. 4.

            She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.
                                                  --Dryden.

   3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.

            I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x.
                                                  34.

   4. The military power of a country.

            He hath no more authority over the sword than over
            the law.                              --Milton.

   5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand
      loom is suspended.

   {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} (Zo["o]l.), a European shrimp ({Pasiph[ae]a
      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}.

Measure \Meas"ure\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Measured}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Measuring}.] [F. mesurer, L. mensurare. See {Measure},
   n.]
   1. To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute
      or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity
      of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions
      of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to
      appraise.

            Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite Thy power!
            what thought can measure thee?        --Milton.

   2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures
      changes of temperature.

   3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off
      and determining the distance.

            A true devoted pilgrim is not weary To measure
            kingdoms with his feeble steps.       --Shak.

   4. To adjust by a rule or standard.

            To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires
            by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.

   5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by
      measure; -- often with out or off.

            With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to
            you again.                            --Matt. vii.
                                                  2.

            That portion of eternity which is called time,
            measured out by the sun.              --Addison.

   {To measure swords with one}, to try another's skill in the
      use of the sword; hence, figuratively, to match one's
      abilities against an antagonist's.