expression, ichidan verb
wear a sword at one's side
Literary or historical expression for carrying a sword, typically in a belt or sash. Not used for modern weapons.
侍は腰に剣を帯びていた。
The samurai wore a sword at his side.
More common and general for wearing a katana or sword, while 剣を帯びる is more literary and formal.
Phrase composed of 剣 (sword) + を (object marker) + 帯びる (to wear at the waist). The verb 帯びる originally referred to wearing something tucked into a sash or belt.