brandish

Brandish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brandished; p. pr. & vb. n. Brandishing.]

Etymology: [OE. braundisen, F. brandir, fr. brand a sword, fr. OHG. brant brand. See Brand, n.]

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.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Brandish, n.

A flourish, as with a weapon, whip, etc. "Brandishes of the fan." Tailer.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for brandish; he lists it under shake.

Where he writes about it:

Sway used transitively especially applies to motions of grace or dignity; brandish denotes a threatening or hostile motion; a monarch sways the scepter; the ruffian brandishes a club. — from shake

Synonyms

shake agitate flap fluctuate flutter jar joggle jolt jounce oscillate quake quaver quiver reel rock shiver shudder sway swing thrill totter tremble vibrate wave waver

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online