battle-sharp

English

Etymology

From battle +‎ sharp, perhaps as a partial calque of Old English beadusċearp.

Adjective

battle-sharp (comparative more battle-sharp, superlative most battle-sharp)

1. (rare) Sharp for use in battle or fighting.
   • 1834, The Tale of Beowulf, page 70:

     The bitter and battle-sharp, borne on his byrny;
     Asunder the Weder's helm smote the Worm midmost;
     They felled the fiend, and force drave the life out,
     And they twain together had gotten him ending,
     Those athelings sib.

   • 2013, David Kirk, Child of Vengeance:

     It was calming. Kazuteru worked quickly, his sword still battle-sharp cutting through the clotted mess of flesh with ease.

   • 2019, Martin Middlebrook, Arnhem 1944: The Airborne Battle:

     The division was a keen, well-rested force eager for action, although the long wait in England and the many cancellations had created a degree of staleness, so the division was not battle-sharp.