haft

[haft, hahft]

noun

1. a handle, especially of a knife, sword, or dagger.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a haft or handle; set in a haft.

haft

/ hɑːft /

noun

1. the handle of an axe, knife, etc

verb

1. (tr) to provide with a haft

Other Word Forms

• unhaft verb (used with object)
• hafter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of haft¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hæft handle, literally, that which is taken, grasped; cognate with Latin captus, German Heft han-dle

Word History and Origins

Origin of haft¹

Old English hæft; related to Old Norse hapt, Old High German haft fetter, hefti handle

Example Sentences

The team used it to successfully haft two flint arrowheads to wooden handles.

From Science Magazine

Nergal tightened both hands around the haft of his spear and roared as he thrust forward.

From Literature

And, of course, there is haft mewa, full of nuts and dried fruit for prosperity.

From New York Times

He plunged the haft of his hammer into the ground, gripped the metal head, kneeled down, and closed his eyes.

From Literature

Thor held the haft of his hammer with a hand that was covered with golden rings.

From Literature

Related Words

• knob 
• shaft 
• stem