Blade

[A-S. blæd, that which springs forth, as a shoot, branch, leaf, fruit; O. S., D., Dan., & Sw. blad; Icel. bladh; O. H. Ger. plat; M. H. Ger. blat; N. H. Ger. blatt, leaf.]

1Sense 1. Properly, the leaf, or flat part of the leaf, of any plant, especially of gramineous plants;—the term is sometimes applied to the spire of grasses. “The crimson dulse . . . with its waving blade of green.” Percival.

2 The cutting part of an instrument, as the blade of a knife or sword, so named from its thinness and length or breadth.

3Sense 3. The broad part of an oar.

4Sense 4. (Anat.) The scapula, or scapular bone. It is the broad, upper bone of the shoulder, and is so called from its resemblance to a blade or leaf.

Atrides' lance did gore Pylemen's shoulder, in the blade. Chapman.

5Sense 5. A bright, sharp-witted, dashing fellow, or one who assumes to be such; a rake.

He saw a turnkey in a trice Fetter a troublesome blade. Coleridge.

To have a blade.

As sweet a plant, as fair a flower, is faded As ever in the Muses' garden bladed. Fletcher.