scimitar

Definition

A sword of Persian origin that features a curved blade.

Etymology

First attested in 1548. From Middle French cimeterre (15c.) or directly from Italian scimitarra, possibly from an unknown Ottoman Turkish word, ultimately from Persian شمشیر (šamšir, “sword”). Doublet of shamshir.

Example Sentences

• "The Prince of Morocco: […]By this Symitare, That ſlew the Sophie, and a Perſian Prince That won three fields of Sultan Solyman, I would ore-ſtare the ſterneſt eies that looke, Out-braue the heart moſt daring on the earth: Plucke the yong ſucking Cubs from the ſhe Beare, Yea, mocke the Lion when he rors for pray To win the Ladie. […]"
• "Next door is a room devoted to Albanian history (“what a lovely scimitar,” I find myself exclaiming, my reserves of small talk inadequate at the sight of the family’s sword collection),[…]"