hatchet

hatch-et · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small axe with a short handle, used for chopping wood or as a weapon.

  2. 2.

    (figurative) A means of attack or destruction.

Forms

plural: hatchets

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bury the hatchet — to make peace; to end a quarrel or conflict
  • •
    hatchet job — a fierce verbal or written attack intended to damage someone's reputation
  • •
    hatchet man — a person hired to carry out unpleasant tasks, such as firing employees

Related words

See also: axe, tomahawk, tool, weapon
Synonyms: axe, cleaver, tomahawk

Etymology

From Old French hachette, diminutive of hache ("axe"), of Germanic origin; related to German Hacke ("hoe, pick"). The word refers to a smaller version of a full-sized axe.