palstave

noun

pal·​stave
variants or less commonly palstaff
ˈpȯl+ˌ-
plural -s
: a usually bronze celt designed for a split handle

Word History

Etymology

Danish paalstav, from Old Norse pālstafr, a heavy missile, probably from pāll spade, hoe (from Old English pāl, from Latin pala) + stafr staff

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Cite this Entry

“Palstave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palstave. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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