In one of the books I read recently quite a few swashes were buckled, and this got me wondering what exactly was a swash and who you would go about buckling one.<\/p>\n
A swashbuckler<\/strong> (\/\u02c8sw\u0252\u0283\u02ccb\u028ckl\u0259(r)\/) is a swaggering bravo or ruffian, or a noisy braggadocio, and first appeared in writing in 1560, according to the OED<\/a>. It is a combination of two words, swash and buckler: <\/p>\n swash<\/strong>, v.<\/em> \/sw\u0252\u0283\/ Etymology: imitative of the sound of splashing or agitated water, or of a resounding blow buckler<\/strong>, n.<\/em> \/\u02c8b\u028ckl\u0259(r)\/
\n – to dash or cast violently.
\n – to make a noise as of swords clashing or of a sword beating on a shield; to fence with swords; to bluster with or as with weapons; to lash out; hence, to swagger.
\n – to dash or splash (water) about; to dash water upon, souse with water or liquid; (of water) to beat with a splash against.<\/p>\n
\n[source<\/a>]<\/p>\n
\n – a small round shield
\n – a means of defence; protection, protector.<\/p>\n