battle-ax

[ bat-l-aks ]

/ ˈbæt lˌæks /

a broadax formerly used as a weapon of war.

Slang. a domineering, aggressive, sharp-tempered person, especially a woman.

Origin of battle-ax

1350–1400; Middle English batelax

At last, taking his battle-axe in both hands, he gave Colbrand such a blow that his sword dropped to the ground.

Young Folks Treasury, Volume 2 (of 12) |Various
Smith received such a blow that he lost his battle-axe, whereat the Turks on the ramparts set up a great shout.

Captain John Smith |Charles Dudley Warner
One held his battle-axe firmly griped—the other shifted his from hand to hand.

Thirty Years' View (Vol. II of 2) |Thomas Hart Benton
Only once do we hear of a battle-axe of bronze; and the dirk, sometimes of iron, is never said to be used in battle.

The World of Homer |Andrew Lang

A man may protect himself with his sword and battle-axe, and need never stray.

Yolanda: Maid of Burgundy |Charles Major

battle-axe

(formerly) a large broad-headed axe

informal an argumentative domineering woman