Obs. exc. Hist. A sword with cutting blade. Often fig. or allusive. Also transl. of the cognomen (AF. Longespei) of William, son of Henry II. and Fair Rosamond.

1

1593.  G. Harvey, Pierce’s Super., Wks. (Grosart), II. 129. Shall I … tell thee, where thy slashing Long-sword commeth short?

2

1599.  Massinger, etc., Old Law, III. ii. Here’s long-sword, your last weapon.

3

1607.  Middleton, Phœnix, F 1 b.

        A Writ of Delay, Long-sword.
Scandala Magnatum, Backesword.

4

1612.  Drayton, Poly-olb., XVIII. 170. With Long-sword the braue sonne of beautious Rosamond.

5

a. 1616.  Beaum. & Fl., Coxcomb, V. i. Provide pen and inke to take their Confessions, and my long sword, I cannot tell what danger wee may meete with.

6