bilbo

¹

[ bil-boh ]

noun

, plural bil·boes.

1. a long iron bar or bolt with sliding shackles and a lock, formerly attached to the ankles of prisoners.

bilbo

²

[ bil-boh ]

noun

, Archaic.

, plural bil·boes.

1. a finely tempered sword.

Bilbo

³

[ bil-boh ]

noun

1. Theodore Gil·more [gil, -mawr, -mohr], 1877–1947, U.S. Southern populist politician: senator 1935–47.

bilbo

/ ˈbɪlbəʊ /

noun

1. (formerly) a sword with a marked temper and elasticity

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilbo¹

First recorded in 1550–60; earlier bilbow < ?

Origin of bilbo²

1585–95; short for Bilboa blade sword made in Bilboa (variant of Bilbao )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilbo¹

C16: from Bilboa , variant (in English) of Bilbao , Spain, noted for its blades

Example Sentences

Previously known for: The U.K. version of “The Office,” as Ricky Gervais’ droll underling Tim and “The Hobbit” trilogy in the role of heroic Bilbo Baggins.

From Los Angeles Times

The tale of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures through Middle Earth was written by Tolkien during his time in Oxford.

From BBC

In 1939, Sen. Theodore Bilbo of Mississippi asked for $250 million to deport all African Americans in the United States to Liberia.

From Salon

"Germans appreciate the importance of race values. They understand that racial improvement is the greatest asset that any country can have," Bilbo said.

From Salon

The acclaimed children's book, which follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, was found by Cancer Research shop manager, Adam Carsley.

From BBC

Related Words

• blade
• dagger
• saber