[Of obscure origin.] (See quots.)
1842. Burn, Naval & Mil. Techn. Dict., I. Batte de la cuvette, sputcheon of the mouth-piece of a sword-scabbard, or that part which retains the wooden scabbard.
1878. Times, 19 Nov., 10/2. The metal ‘sputcheon’ or ‘cup-lining’ of the scabbard’s mouth must come in contact with the blade-edge when the sword is drawn.
