curtal axe

British  

noun

1. an obsolete term for cutlass

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Etymology

Origin of curtal axe

C16: alteration by folk etymology of Old French coutelas _cutlass ; see _curtal

Example Sentences

Two variations appear in English: “curtelace,” where the r represents probably the l of the original Latin word, or is a further variant of the second variation; and “curtelaxe,” often spelled as two words, “curtal axe,” where the prefix curtal is confused with various English words such as “curtan,” “curtal” and “curtail,” which all mean “shortened,” and are derived from the Lat. curtus; the word thus wrongly derived has been supposed to refer to some non-existent form of battle-axe.

From Project Gutenberg

I with ‘gallant curtal axe,’ dressed as a youth.

From Project Gutenberg

A lover's hope resembles the bean in the nursery tale,—let it once take root, and it will grow so rapidly, that in the course of a few hours the giant Imagination builds a castle on the top, and by and by comes Disappointment with the "curtal axe," and hews down both the plant and the superstructure.

From Project Gutenberg

Some blackguard or other, I think it was Sybrandt, said, "A lie is not like a blow with a curtal axe."

From Project Gutenberg