Careful Words

martial (n.)

martial (v.)

martial (adj.)

  On this question of principle, while actual suffering was yet afar off, they [the Colonies] raised their flag against a power to which, for purposes of foreign conquest and subjugation, Rome in the height of her glory is not to be compared,—a power which has dotted over the surface of the whole globe with her possessions and military posts, whose morning drum-beat, following the sun, and keeping company with the hours, circles the earth with one continuous and unbroken strain of the martial airs of England.

Daniel Webster (1782-1852): Speech, May 7, 1834. P. 110.

But he lay like a warrior taking his rest,

With his martial cloak around him.

Charles Wolfe (1791-1823): The Burial of Sir John Moore.

We 'll have a swashing and a martial outside,

As many other mannish cowards have.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): As You Like It. Act i. Sc. 3.