(a) A weapon, as a sword, dagger, etc. "Brave Macbeth . . . with his
brandished steel." Shak.
While doubting thus he stood, Received the steel bathed in his
brother's blood.
Dryden.
(b) An instrument of steel (usually a round rod) for sharpening knives.
(c) A piece of steel for striking sparks from flint.
3. Fig.: Anything of extreme hardness; that which is characterized by
sternness or rigor. "Heads of steel." Johnson. "Manhood's heart of
steel." Byron.