Brandise

/ˈbrændzaɪz/ verb

Definition

Alternative spelling of 'brandish'; to wave or flourish something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or showy manner.

Etymology

Variant of 'brandish' from Old French 'brandir,' derived from Old Norse 'brandr.' This spelling is archaic and rarely used in modern English.

Kelly Says

This old spelling shows how English writers couldn't quite settle on how to spell Germanic-origin words—'brandise' lost out to 'brandish' in the great spelling standardization wars of the 1600s.

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