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Webster 1913 Edition


Brandish

Bran′dish

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Brandished
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Brandishing
.]
[OE.
braundisen
, F.
brandir
, fr.
brand
a sword, fr. OHG.
brant
brand. See
Brand
,
Noun.
]
1.
To move or wave, as a weapon; to raise and move in various directions; to shake or flourish.
The quivering lance which he
brandished
bright.
Drake.
2.
To play with; to flourish;
as, to
brandish
syllogisms
.

Bran′dish

,
Noun.
A flourish, as with a weapon, whip, etc.
Brandishes of the fan.”
Tailer.

Webster 1828 Edition


Brandish

BRAND'ISH

, v.t.
1.
To move or wave, as a weapon; to raise, and move in various directions; to shake or flourish; as, to brandish a sword or a cane. It often indicates threatening.
2.
To play with; to flourish; as, to brandish syllogisms.

Definition 2024


brandish

brandish

English

Verb

brandish (third-person singular simple present brandishes, present participle brandishing, simple past and past participle brandished)

  1. (transitive) To move or swing (a weapon) back and forth, particularly if demonstrating skill.
    He brandished his sword at the pirates.
    • Drake
      the quivering lance which he brandished bright
  2. (transitive) To bear something with ostentatious show.
    to brandish syllogisms
    • 2011, Jejomar C. Binay, Binay: Blame corruption on modern consumerism, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, :
      It sets the stage for cutting corners in our principles just so we can brandish a perceived badge of stature.

Synonyms

Translations

Noun

brandish (plural brandishes)

  1. The act of flourishing or waving.

Synonyms