brandish

Meanings

1. To move or swing a weapon back and forth, particularly if demonstrating anger, threat or skill.
2. To bear something with ostentatious show.

1. The act of flourishing or waving.

Etymology

From Middle English braundischen, from Old French brandiss-, stem of brandir (“to flourish a sword”), from Frankish *brandijan, from Frankish *brand (“firebrand; sword”), from Proto-Germanic *brandaz (“fire; flame; sword”), whence Old English brand (“firebrand; torch”); equivalent to brand + -ish. More at brand.