noun
baldric
BAL-drik/bˈældrɪk/
A belt worn over one shoulder to carry a weapon or other equipment.
The guard wears a leather baldric with a sheathed sword.
Etymology
Old French baldre already meant a sword-belt or crossbelt. The inherited meaning combines the belt’s position across the body with its purpose of carrying a weapon.
In context
… and his quiver of arrows supported by a scarlet baldric, he was such a warrior as any knight might well be proud to have in his train.
More examples
- She slings the baldric over one shoulder before drawing her sword.
- The bugler carries his instrument on a baldric.
- Two embroidered baldrics hang beside the armor in the museum.
Forms
baldric · baldrics
Similar words
- bandolier
- Usually holds ammunition rather than supporting a sword or instrument.
- belt
- A broader term, usually for a strap around the waist.