Definition

1. Noun:

   • A heavy cavalry sword with a curved blade: A "sabre" is a type of sword, historically associated with cavalry, characterized by a single-edged, curved blade designed for slashing.
   • A fencing sword: In modern sport fencing, a "sabre" is a light, flexible sword with a V-shaped blade and a slightly curved handguard, used for thrusting and cutting.

2. Verb:

   • To strike or kill with a sabre: The action of using a sabre to cut or wound.
   • To cut or injure with a sabre: To inflict a wound using this type of sword.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The museum displayed a 19th-century cavalry officer's sabre.
  • She won the gold medal in the individual sabre event at the Olympics.

• Verb (less common in modern usage):

  • Historical accounts describe how the cavalry would sabre the retreating infantry.
  • He was sabred in the arm during the duel.

Advanced Usage

• "Sabre-rattling": The display or threat of military force, especially as part of a diplomatic strategy.
  • The country's sabre-rattling along the border increased regional tensions.

Variants and Related Words

• Saber: The American English spelling of "sabre".
• Sabreur (noun): A person, especially a soldier, who is skilled in using a sabre.
• Sabretache (noun): A flat bag or pouch worn hanging from the belt of a cavalry soldier's uniform.

Synonyms

• Scimitar: A sword with a curved blade, originating in the Middle East.
• Cutlass: A short, broad sabre or slashing sword, especially associated with sailors.
• Broadsword: A sword with a broad blade, used for cutting rather than thrusting.

Related Phrases

• "To rattle the sabre": To engage in sabre-rattling; to make aggressive military threats.
  • The general accused the neighboring state of rattling the sabre to gain political concessions.

Noun

1. a stout sword with a curved blade and thick back
2. a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle

Verb

1. kill with a saber
2. cut or injure with a saber