sword-guard
Definition
Noun: - A protective part of a sword: The "sword-guard" is the portion of a sword's hilt that is designed to protect the wielder's hand from an opponent's blade. It is typically a crosspiece or a wider metal section located between the blade and the grip.
Usage Examples
- (The protective part of the sword's handle.)
- (The defensive component of the sword.)
Advanced Usage
- "to cross sword-guards": a historical fencing term meaning to lock the protective parts of two swords together during combat, often to test strength or gain leverage.
- The fencers crossed sword-guards in a tense standoff, each trying to push the other back. (They locked their sword hilts together.)
Variants and Related Words
Guard (noun): a general term for a protective device or position.
- The guard on the sword was made of brass. (The protective part of the sword.)
Sword (noun): the main weapon of which the sword-guard is a part.
- He drew his sword from its scabbard. (The entire bladed weapon.)
Synonyms
- Crossguard: the most common synonym, specifically referring to the horizontal bar on a sword's hilt.
- Hilt guard: another term for the protective part of the hilt.
- Quillons: the arms of the crossguard (often used in historical fencing contexts).
Related Idioms
- "Guard your hand": a metaphorical expression meaning to protect your most valuable assets or skills.
- In business negotiations, always guard your hand — don't reveal your full strategy. (Protect your key advantages.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Guard against: to take precautions to prevent something.
- The design of the sword-guard guards against the opponent's blade slipping down to the hand. (Protects from a specific danger.)