Bilbo
/ˈbɪlboʊ/noun
A sword, especially one made in or associated with Bilbao, Spain; historically, bilboes also meant iron shackles.
Did you know?The related plural form “bilboes” came to mean iron fetters or leg irons, giving the word a striking double association with weapons and imprisonment.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Basque/Spanish
Bilbao
“The Basque port city whose name became associated with its manufactured iron goods.”
16th Century
Spanish/English
bilbao
“A sword or blade associated with Bilbao.”
16th–17th Century
English
bilbo
“A sword, particularly a finely tempered or flexible sword.”
17th Century
English
bilboes
“Iron shackles or leg irons, probably named through the ironworking and metal goods associated with Bilbao.”
Modern English
English
bilbo
“A historical term for a sword; also encountered as a proper name, especially in Tolkien’s Bilbo Baggins.”