hilt

American  

[hilt] / hɪlt /

noun

1. the handle of a sword or dagger.

2. the handle of any weapon or tool.

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verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a hilt.

idioms

1. to the hilt, to the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully Also up to the hilt.

   to play the role to the hilt.

hilt British  

/ hɪlt /

noun

1. the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc

2. to the full

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verb

1. (tr) to supply with a hilt

hilt More Idioms  

1. see to the hilt.

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Etymology

Origin of hilt

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English hilt(e); cognate with Middle Dutch hilt(e), Old Norse hjalt, Old High German helza “handle of a sword”

Example Sentences

It spins on its hilt, slicing me free from the webbing.

From Literature

Clarke now warns that too many people are having to "mortgage themselves up to the hilt" for homes on new estates that are not always well built and with poor access to local services.

From BBC

The production, directed by Sam Pinkleton, plays this delirious situation to the comic hilt.

From Los Angeles Times

The performers are encouraged to play their roles to the comic hilt.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, he was a perfect match for Yang, who played Santos to the hilt in various appearances on Weekend Update and in opening sketches.

From New York Times

Related Words

• knob
• shaft
• stem