scabbard

noun

scab·​bard ˈska-bərd How to pronounce scabbard (audio)
: a sheath for a sword, dagger, or bayonet
scabbard transitive verb

Examples of scabbard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Initially, a shafted weapon similar to a javelin known as a Roman pilum was discovered squeezed in the rocks' cracks, along with pieces of wood that were part of the swords' scabbards, or sheaths. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023 Representing the authority of the Lord Mayor in the City of London, the King was presented with the sword, named for the 2,600 pearls on the scabbard. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023 Finally, add finishing touches, like an eye patch and a fake scabbard. Deborah Way, Parents, 6 Oct. 2023 Take out your triangular hat, eye patch, brass earrings, toy parrot on your shoulder, sword and scabbard, hook for a hand, and peg for a leg. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2023 One person made the hilt, one the scabbard, one the handle, and so forth. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2023 The Model 1 comes with a scabbard that’s molded to fit perfectly. Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 14 June 2023 But, at the same time, I was deeply saddened by both impeachments because, before Nixon, impeachment was meant to be the sword that was never removed from its scabbard. Tyler Foggatt, The New Yorker, 17 June 2023 The scabbard is made of leather, gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, turquoise, and lined in silk velvet. Town & Country, 7 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scabbard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English scauberc, scaubert, from Anglo-French escalberc

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scabbard was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near scabbard

Cite this Entry

“Scabbard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scabbard. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scabbard

noun
scab·​bard ˈskab-ərd How to pronounce scabbard (audio)
: a protective case for a sword, dagger, or bayonet

More from Merriam-Webster on scabbard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!