brandish Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of waving
    flourish.
  2. verb move or swing back and forth
    flourish; wave.
    • She waved her gun
  3. verb exhibit aggressively
    • brandish a sword

WordNet


Bran"dish transitive verb
Etymology
OE. braundisen, F. brandir, fr. brand a sword, fr. OHG. brant brand. See Brand, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Brandished present participle & verbal noun Brandishing
Definitions
  1. To move or wave, as a weapon; to raise and move in various directions; to shake or flourish.
    The quivering lance which he brandished bright. Drake.
  2. To play with; to flourish; as, to brandish syllogisms.
Bran"dish noun
Definitions
  1. A flourish, as with a weapon, whip, etc. "Brandishes of the fan." Tailer.

Webster 1913