sword-arm
Noun - The arm that holds a sword: "sword-arm" refers specifically to the arm (usually the right arm) that is used to wield a sword in combat or fencing. It is a compound noun emphasizing the functional role of the arm in armed conflict.
- (He lifted the arm that holds the sword to attack.)
- (The arm used for sword fighting was wounded, disabling him.)
- (She practiced with the arm dedicated to sword handling.)
"to strengthen one's sword-arm": to prepare or train for a conflict or challenge.
- The general ordered his soldiers to strengthen their sword-arms before the siege. (To physically and mentally prepare for combat.)
"to lose one's sword-arm": to become unable to fight or defend oneself, either literally or metaphorically.
- Without his sword-arm, the warrior was vulnerable in the duel. (Without the use of his weapon-wielding arm, he was defenseless.)
Sword (n): a weapon with a long metal blade used for cutting or thrusting.
- The king drew his sword from its scabbard. (He removed the blade from its protective case.)
Arm (n): the upper limb of the human body, from the shoulder to the hand.
- He broke his arm while playing sports. (He fractured the limb.)
Sword-hand (n): a synonym for "sword-arm," emphasizing the hand that grips the sword.
- His sword-hand trembled with exhaustion. (The hand holding the sword shook from fatigue.)
- Dominant arm: the arm used for most tasks, often the right arm.
- Weapon arm: a general term for the arm used to wield a weapon.
"to try one's sword-arm": to test one's fighting ability or skill.
- The young squire was eager to try his sword-arm in the tournament. (He wanted to test his combat skills.)
"to rest one's sword-arm": to take a break from fighting or effort.
- After hours of training, he needed to rest his sword-arm. (He paused to recover his strength.)
- The term "sword-arm" is archaic or literary in modern English, often found in historical fiction, fantasy literature, or discussions of medieval combat. It is rarely used in everyday speech.