ensis, is, m. [Sanscr. root as-, asyati, hurl; asi, sword], a sword, brand.
I Prop. (almost exclusively in the poets; synon. with gladius, acc. to Quint. 10, 1, 11; cf. also spatha, acinaces, sica, mucro, pugio), Lucr. 5, 1293; Cic. poët. ap. Gell. 15, 6, 3; and id. N. D. 2, 63 fin. ; Tib. 1, 3, 47; 1, 10, 1: ensem haesurum jugulo puto, Ov. Tr. 1, 1, 484; Verg. A. 2, 393; 553 et saep.; Liv. 7, 10, 9.—
II Meton.
A War , Sil. 7, 167; Stat. S. 4, 7, 45; cf.: lateque vagatur ensis, i. e. slaughter, Luc. 2, 102.—
B For defensor: MARCELLO ROMANORVM ENSI, Inscr. Momms. 1984.—
C Royal sway , Luc. 5, 61.—
D Ensis, the constellation Orion, Val. Fl. 2, 68; cf. ensifer.