helve

[helv]

noun

1. the handle of an ax, hatchet, hammer, or the like.

verb (used with object)

helved, helving 

1. to furnish with a helve.

helve

/ hɛlv /

noun

1. the handle of a hand tool such as an axe or pick

verb

1. (tr) to fit a helve to (a tool)

Other Word Forms

• helver noun
• unhelved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of helve¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English h ( i ) elfe

Word History and Origins

Origin of helve¹

Old English hielfe; related to Old Saxon hèlvi, Old High German halb, Lithuanian kìlpa stirrup; see _halter

Example Sentences

“Can a man not come back for an axe helve without finding his house a shambles?”

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It is wielded by a wooden helve or handle, so fixed in a socket or eye as to be in the same plane with the blade.

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What are known as power hammers are those driven by belt and pulley; while those known as trip hammers have their helve lifted through the medium of revolving lugs or cams.

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Just like an axehead on its helve Old Bennett sat and watched the gathering.

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Fire wood was scattered about; here was an axe with a broken helve, there a rust-eaten shovel, and the whole place spoke of poverty.

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Related Words

• beam 
• chimney 
• cylinder 
• duct 
• rod 
• tunnel