Bilbo-Blade
/ˈbɪl.boʊ ˌbleɪd/noun
A finely made sword or rapier, traditionally associated with blades imported from Bilbao, Spain.
Did you know?In early modern English, “bilbo” could mean a rapier or sword renowned for the quality and flexibility of its Spanish steel, rather than a magical weapon.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Period
Basque/Spanish
Bilbao
“The name of the Basque port city associated with the manufacture and export of high-quality iron goods.”
16th Century
English
bilbo
“A sword or rapier imported from or associated with Bilbao.”
16th–17th Century
English
bilbo-blade
“A sword blade of Bilbao manufacture or reputation.”
17th Century
English
bilbo
“A flexible, finely tempered sword; the term appears in literary and historical references to weapons.”
Modern English
English
bilbo-blade
“A historical term for a sword or rapier associated with Bilbao steel.”