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