handspike

American  

[hand-spahyk] / ˈhændˌspaɪk /

noun

1. a bar used as a lever.

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handspike British  

/ ˈhændˌspaɪk /

noun

1. a bar or length of pipe used as a lever

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Etymology

Origin of handspike

1605–15; < Dutch handspaak ( see hand, spoke ²), with -spaak replaced by spike ¹

Example Sentences

At that period the pump windlass had not superseded the intermitting efforts of the old handspike.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor

For all that, Jardine was forced to use a handspike and Jimmy saw that to build a log-pile demanded strength and skill.

From Northwest! by Bindloss, Harold

"Well, get a crew ready to man the skiff," said Tom, throwing down the handspike after hitting the rail one more blow harder than all the rest.

From No Moss The Career of a Rolling Stone by Castlemon, Harry

Once or twice the handspike or peevie had been torn from his grasp, and the lives of his comrades had been placed in peril.

From The Greater Power by Dunton, W. Herbert

Even then we have dangers From meddlesome strangers, Who spy on our business and are not content To take a smooth answer, Except with a handspike ...

From Rewards and Fairies by Kipling, Rudyard