Crossword Genius

He didn't strike Shakespeare as a sword carrier (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scabbard

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a sword carrier' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'he didn't strike shakespeare' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'bard' and 'bard' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'scab' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scabbard that I've seen before include "place of weapon" , "You may see one holding a dagger" , "Something to stick the knife into" , "foil container?" , "Brand protector" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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