battle-axe

battle-axe
battle-axe late 14c., weapon of war, from BATTLE (Cf. battle) + AXE (Cf. axe); meaning "formidable woman" is U.S. slang, first recorded 1896.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • battle-axe — battle axes (The spellings battleaxe, and in American English battle ax are also used.) 1) N COUNT (disapproval) If you call a middle aged or older woman a battle axe, you mean she is very difficult and unpleasant because of her fierce and… …   English dictionary

  • Battle-axe — Battle ax Bat tle ax Battle axe Bat tle axe ( [a^]ks ), n. (Mil.) A kind of broadax formerly used as an offensive weapon. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Battle axe — A battle axe (also battle axe or battle ax) is an axe specifically designed as a weapon. Battle axes were specialized versions of utility axes. Many were suitable for use in one hand, while others were larger and were wielded two handed. Axes… …   Wikipedia

  • battle-axe block — or battle axe section noun (Aust and NZ) A plot of land without a street frontage, with access to and from the street via a drive or lane • • • Main Entry: ↑battle …   Useful english dictionary

  • battle-axe section — battle axe block or battle axe section noun (Aust and NZ) A plot of land without a street frontage, with access to and from the street via a drive or lane • • • Main Entry: ↑battle …   Useful english dictionary

  • battle-axe — noun 1. a broadax used as a weapon • Syn: ↑battle ax • Hypernyms: ↑broadax, ↑broadaxe • Hyponyms: ↑Lochaber ax, ↑poleax, ↑poleaxe …   Useful english dictionary

  • battle axe — n. heavy axe with a broad edge used in the past as offensive weapon; (Slang) sharp tongued hostile and pushy woman …   English contemporary dictionary

  • battle-axe — noun see battle ax …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • battle-axe — (Roget s Thesaurus II) noun See battle ax …   English dictionary for students

  • battle axe — noun a) An ancient military weapon. b) This weapon borne on arms as a mark of prowess …   Wiktionary

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