poleaxe

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an ax used to slaughter cattle; has a hammer opposite the blade
  2. noun a battle ax used in the Middle Ages; a long handled ax and a pick
  3. verb fell with or as if with a poleax

Etymology

From earlier pollax, from poll (“head”) + axe, with the spelling influenced by pole.

In classic literature

Synonyms

poleax

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