swordsmanshipn.
a. The quality or art of a swordsman; skill in the use of the sword.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > [noun]
buckler-playing1468
fence1533
defence1549
noble science1549
buckler-play1575
fencing1581
digladiation1589
sword-play1627
escrime1652
the (noble, also manly) art of self-defence1724
science1729
swordmanship1781
swordsmanship1851
swording1891
sword-work1913
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > cut of sharp weapon > cut or thrust with sword > [noun] > action of striking or fighting with sword > art of
swordmanship1781
swordsmanship1851
1851–2 J. Ruskin Stones of Venice I. App. xiv. 382 The mere swordsmanship and marksmanship of the troops are of small importance in comparison with their disposition.
1891 Times 20 Feb. 7/6 Mr. Egerton Castle discoursed on the ‘Story of Swordsmanship, especially considered in its connexion with the rise and decline of duelling.’
1899 Daily Tel. 10 Nov. 10/1 The latter bear terrible evidence of the swordsmanship of our cavalry.
b. figurative. Skill in controversy or debate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > [noun] > showing skill or spirit
sword-playing14..
gladiatory1653
parrya1734
sword-play1847
fence-play1878
swordsmanship1886
1879 J. McCarthy Hist. Own Times I. 43 Lord John Russell's swordsmanship was the swordsmanship of Saladin, and not that of stout King Richard.]
1886 J. S. Blackie What does Hist. Teach? 86 The spiritual swordsmanship of St. Paul.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1919; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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n.1851