AXE

Axe

The axe is an implement that has been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood; to harvest timber; as a weapon; and as a ceremonial or heraldic symbol. The axe has many forms and specialised uses but generally consists of an axe head with a handle, or helve.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Axe
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

axe

Noun

  1. A tool for felling trees or chopping wood etc. consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side, and a handle attached to it.
  2. An ancient weapon consisting of a head that has one or two blades and a long handle.
  3. A dismissal or rejection.
    His girlfriend/boss/schoolmaster gave him the axe.
  4. A gigging musician's particular instrument, especially a guitar in rock music or a saxophone in jazz.
  5. A directional position or interest, by a dealer in a financial market – if one wishes to unload stock, one is “axed to sell” or “has an axe”. Derived from “have an axe to grind”, which is also used.

Noun (etymology 2)

  1. The axle of a wheel.

Verb

  1. To fell or chop with an axe.
  2. To terminate or reduce tremendously in a rough or ruthless manner.
    The government announced its plans to axe public spending.
    The broadcaster axed the series because far less people than expected watched it.
  3. To lay off: to terminate a person's employment
    He got axed in the last round of firings.

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. To furnish with an axle.

Verb (etymology 3)



The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: axe
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!