Combat or fighting with swords; also used to describe witty verbal exchange or clever banter.
Compound of 'sword' (Old English 'sweord') + 'play.' The literal meaning came first; the metaphorical meaning (witty exchange) developed because sword fighting required skill and quick thinking.
Shakespeare used 'swordplay' both literally in duels and metaphorically in witty dialogue—the best insults in his plays feel like fencing, with riposte following thrust, showing wit itself is combat.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.