brandish

Etymology

From Middle English braundischen, from Old French brandiss-, stem of brandir (“to flourish a sword”), from Frankish *brandijan, from Frankish *brand (“firebrand; sword”), from Proto-Germanic *brandaz (“fire; flame; sword”), whence Old English brand (“firebrand; torch”); equivalent to brand + -ish. More at brand.

verb

1. (transitive) To move or swing a weapon back and forth, particularly if demonstrating anger, threat or skill.
   He brandished his sword at the pirates.
   the quivering lance which he brandished bright 1819, Joseph Rodman Drake, The Culprit Fay
2. (transitive) To bear something with ostentatious show.
   to brandish syllogisms
   It sets the stage for cutting corners in our principles just so we can brandish a perceived badge of stature. 2011, Jejomar C. Binay, Binay: Blame corruption on modern consumerism, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/315850/binay-blame-corruption-modern-consumerism

noun

1. The act of flourishing or waving.