Well attestedNamed through a historical place-name
bilbo
noun · first attested 16th century
The Elizabethan sword is named for a Basque port.
A sword with a finely tempered blade.
Record
- Relationship
- Named through a historical place-name
- Confidence
- Well attestedThe place link is the standard scholarly account.
- Attested
- 16th century
- Part of speech
- noun
Explanations here are written for this atlas. Dictionary text is not copied; the sources are linked so the claim can be checked.
- Step 1
Bilbao
- In English
bilbo
Bilbao's ironworking reputation gave English bilbo for a good blade. The spelling records how English speakers heard the city's name.
Also pinned to Bilbao
1 more from the same place
Spain
All 20 entries 18 more words from Spain
mayonnaiseOne story ties the sauce to Mahón. Many etymologists are not convinced.MahónsherryThe wine is an English attempt at saying Jerez.Jerez de la FronteracanaryThe bird is named for the islands. The islands are named for dogs.Canary IslandsmajolicaThe Italian pottery is named for a Spanish island.MallorcazarzuelaThe Spanish operetta is named for a royal hunting lodge.Palacio de la ZarzuelaCastile soapThe olive oil soap is named for a Spanish kingdom.CastileSeville orangeThe marmalade orange is named for an Andalusian city.SevilleSpanish influenzaThe 1918 pandemic is named for the only country reporting it honestly.Spain