Poleax (Noun)
Meaning 1
A battle ax used in the Middle Ages; a long handled ax and a pick.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
An ax used to slaughter cattle; has a hammer opposite the blade.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The butcher grasped the poleax firmly and prepared for the difficult task ahead.
- The veterinarian explained that a humane killer, also known as a poleax, was used to end the suffering of the injured cow.
- The slaughterman's apprentice struggled to wield the heavy poleax, requiring both strength and precision.
- The poleax is often mistakenly referred to as a simple axe, despite its specialized design and purpose.
- Due to its striking resemblance to a typical ax, many historians initially overlooked the early use of the poleax in livestock slaughter practices.