What does rapier mean in romeo and Juliet?

In the context of William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the word "rapier" refers to a type of sword. It is a long, thin, and sharp sword that is primarily used for thrusting rather than slashing. In the play, rapiers are often associated with the characters of Romeo and Mercutio, who are skilled swordsmen.

Here are a few examples of the use of the word "rapier" in "Romeo and Juliet":

- "I will bite my thumb at them; which is a disgrace to them if they bear it." (Act 1, Scene 1) - In this line, Mercutio is talking about his intention to provoke the Capulet household by making a rude gesture. He says he will "bite his thumb" at them, which was considered a highly offensive gesture in Elizabethan times.

- "Tybalt, you ratcatcher! Will you walk?" (Act 3, Scene 1) - In this line, Mercutio is taunting Tybalt, a member of the Capulet family. He calls him a "ratcatcher" and challenges him to a fight.

- "This, by his voice, should be a Montague. / Fetch me my rapier, boy. / What dares the slave / Come hither, cover'd with an antic face, / To fleer and scorn at our solemnity?" (Act 1, Scene 5) - In this passage, Tybalt is speaking about Romeo, who has crashed the Capulet ball. Tybalt is angry and orders his servant to fetch his rapier so he can fight Romeo.

- "Mercutio's slain. I am hurt." (Act 3, Scene 1) - In this line, Romeo is informing Benvolio that Mercutio has been killed in the fight with Tybalt. Mercutio was skilled with the rapier, but he was fatally injured by Tybalt's quick thrust.

Overall, the use of the word "rapier" in "Romeo and Juliet" emphasizes the violent nature of the play and the importance of swordsmanship during that time.