billhook

American  

[bil-hook] / ˈbɪlˌhʊk /

noun

1. bill.

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billhook British  

/ ˈbɪlˌhʊk /

noun

1. Also called: bill.  a cutting tool with a wooden handle and a curved blade terminating in a hook at its tip, used for pruning, chopping, etc

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Etymology

Origin of billhook

First recorded in 1605–15; bill ³ + hook ¹

Example Sentences

Watch Tim Radford — in dreadlocks, just 36, the future of the sport — wielding his billhook blade and laying into his section of brush like the queen’s own tree surgeon.

From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2019

Max Reinhardt, whose castle�Leopoldskron�overlooks the crenelated streets of the old cathedral town, sent some weeks ago an army of mercenaries against the riding school with billhook, adz, hammer, saw.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Set up the ladder here, Joseph," he said, pointing with the billhook to indicate the place.

From Aunt Rachel by Murray, David Christie

His lordship was followed by Joseph Beaker, who bore the saw and the billhook, and the old nobleman was evidently somewhat fatigued, and carried the ladder with difficulty.

From Aunt Rachel by Murray, David Christie

I’m off to the mountains with my billhook to gather a faggot of sticks for our fire.

From Japanese Fairy Tales by James, Grace

Related Words

• machete