A kind of short straight sword or dagger, in civilian use, worn in a sheath hung from a strap, e.g. at the girdle; baselard knif; in some examples perhaps used loosely of a curved 'hanger.'
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(a) A mechanical device: an astronomical instrument; a siege tower or machine; also [1st quot.], nautical gear or tackle, ?a mast; (b) fig. a contrivance, stratagem.
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