brandish

English

/ˈbɹændɪʃ/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To move or swing a weapon back and forth, particularly if demonstrating anger, threat or skill.
  • (transitive) To bear something with ostentatious show.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English braundishen derived from Old French brandiss- derived from Frankish *brandijan, *brand (firebrand, sword, flaming sword, brand, cinder, burnt log) derived from Proto-Germanic *brandaz (sword, firebrand, torch, flame, burning, flash, fire-brand, flaming, flaming sword, fire) suffix from English brand.

Origin

English

brand

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms