battle-ax

Or bat·tle-axe

[bat-l-aks]

noun

1. a broadax formerly used as a weapon of war.

2. Slang.,  a domineering, aggressive, sharp-tempered person, especially a woman.

Word History and Origins

Origin of battle-ax¹

1350–1400; Middle English batelax

Example Sentences

Their chirps are the sound of the old battle-ax saying goodbye to his homeland before the Iron Curtain slams shut.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She looked beautiful, serene almost, not a look I normally associate with my battle-ax of a parent.

Read more on Salon

"That battle-ax is a replica of one used by Robert the Bruce from Scotland. We're related on my mother's side."

Read more on Fox News

Like clockwork, leftist activists appropriated the effort, twisting it into a battle-ax for social justice.

Read more on Washington Times

Either way, you’ll burn some calories and stay warm swinging a foam battle-ax at your best friend/mortal enemy goblin.

Read more on Seattle Times