E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Fire and Sword.
Letters of fire and sword. If a criminal resisted the law and refused to answer his citation, it was accounted treason in the Scottish courts; and “letters of fire and sword” were sent to the sheriff, authorising him to use either or both these instruments to apprehend the contumacious party.
