[Name of a city in Spain, long famous for its manufacture of finely tempered sword-blades.] Short for Toledo blade or sword: A sword or sword-blade made at Toledo, or of the kind made there.
1598. B. Jonson, Ev. Man in Hum., II. ii. Step. How will you sell this rapier, friend? Brai. … ’Tis a most pure Toledo.
c. 1626. Dick of Devon, III. i., in Bullen, O. Pl., II. 46. A hundred of the best Toledoes.
1645. Milton, Colast., Wks. 1851, IV. 357. What doe these keen Doctors heer but cut him over the sinews with their Toledo’s?
1713. Addison, Ct. Tariff, ¶ 22. A long Toledo sticking out by his side.
1826. Scott, Woodst., ii. Reach me my Toledo.
