E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bil’bo.
A rapier or sword. So called from Bilba’o, in Spain, once famous for its finely-tempered blades. Falstaff says to Ford:
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“I suffered the pangs of three several deaths; first, an intolerable fright, to be detected … next, to be compassed, like a good bilbo … hilt to point, heel to head; and then …”—Merry Wives, iii. 5.
