swashbuckler

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“
Tell me no more of your projects," he added, with a sudden shame, as the swashbuckler was about to enter into details.

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Definitions (5)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun A flamboyant swordsman or adventurer.
  2. noun A sword-wielding ruffian or bully.
  3. noun A dramatic or literary work dealing with a swashbuckler.

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Examples (50)

  • Created from the antiquated words swash (to make a noise by striking) and buckler (shield) around 1560, swashbuckler originally meant a mediocre swordsman who compensated by making a great deal of noise, strutting through the streets banging his sword on his shield. —  The Word Detective
  • It may not satisfy the fire-eater or the swashbuckler but it does satisfy those who worship at the altar of the god of peace. —  WOODROW WILSON AS I KNOW HIM
  • Mr. Bradlaugh left the platform and walked up to the noisy swashbuckler, who at once grappled with him and tried to throw him; but Mr. Burbery had not reckoned on his opponent's strength, and when the “throw” was complete Mr. Burbery was underneath. —  Autobiographical Sketches
  • The body of one unfortunate unfortunate swashbuckler -- together with his $153,000 ransom share -- appeared on the shore of Somalia this morning. —  FP Passport
  • In these moments Debord the swashbuckler, the romantic hero of art schools to this day, comes centre-stage, and the letters are a fine study in the art of enmity. —  London Review of Books
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This word has been looked up 51 times.

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Etymologies (1)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Probably from the striking of bucklers in fighting.
 

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