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bilboes

 - 5 dictionary results

bil⋅bo

2  [bil-boh]
Use bilboes in a Sentence
–noun, plural -boes. Archaic.
a finely tempered sword.
Origin:
1585–95; short for Bilboa blade sword made in Bilboa (var. of Bilbao )

bil⋅bo

1  [bil-boh]
–noun, plural -boes. Usually, bilboes.
a long iron bar or bolt with sliding shackles and a lock, formerly attached to the ankles of prisoners.
Origin:
1550–60; earlier bilbow < ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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bil·bo 1   (bĭl'bō)   
n.   pl. bil·boes
An iron bar to which sliding fetters are attached, formerly used to shackle the feet of prisoners.

[Origin unknown.]
bil·bo 2   (bĭl'bō)   
n.   pl. bil·boes Archaic
A sword, especially one having a well-tempered blade.

[After Bilbao.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

bilbo 
"kind of sword noted for temper and elasticity," 1598, from Bilbao, town in northern Spain where swords were made, in Eng. Bilboa.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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