Lat. A sword. An ancient emblem of defense. Hence the ancient earls or comites (the king’s attendants, advisers, and associates in his government) were made by being girt with swords, (gladio succincti.)
The emblem of the executory power of the law in punishing crimes. 4 Bl. Comm. 177.
In old Latin authors, and in the Norman laws, this word was used to signify supreme jurisdiction, (jus gladii.)