hilt

[hilt]

noun

1. the handle of a sword or dagger.

2. the handle of any weapon or tool.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a hilt.

hilt

/ hɪlt /

noun

1. the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc

2. to the full

verb

1. (tr) to supply with a hilt

Word History and Origins

Origin of hilt¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English hilt(e); cognate with Middle Dutch hilt(e), Old Norse hjalt, Old High German helza “handle of a sword”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hilt¹

Old English; related to Old Norse hjalt, Old Saxon helta oar handle, Old High German helza

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to the hilt, to the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully Also up to the hilt.

   to play the role to the hilt.

see to the hilt.

Example Sentences

Clarke now warns that too many people are having to "mortgage themselves up to the hilt" for homes on new estates that are not always well built and with poor access to local services.

From BBC

The production, directed by Sam Pinkleton, plays this delirious situation to the comic hilt.

From Los Angeles Times

Strahovski excels at playing white woman privilege to the hilt, and never as much as when she finds herself back on top, ready to evangelize for women’s oppression yet again.

From Salon

In statements and interviews, government officials insist the army is on the attack against rebels, whom they call terrorists, and Iranian emissaries have pledged to back Assad to the hilt.

From Los Angeles Times

The performers are encouraged to play their roles to the comic hilt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• knob 
• shaft 
• stem