battle-ax

American  

[bat-l-aks] / ˈbæt lˌæks /

Or battle-axe

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of battle-ax

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Belet picked up a battle-ax while our audience, the cats, found suitable spots to watch the action.

From Literature

“Your ma should know how hard this is for you. That old battle-ax is ornery and spiteful to boot. Maybe waiting for her tea will teach her a lesson.”

From Literature

Sternly she bade the slave bring her a battle-ax.

From Literature

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

From Salon