billhook

[ bil-hoo k ]

/ ˈbɪlˌhʊk /

Origin of billhook

First recorded in 1605–15; bill³ + hook¹

“I believe that the pirate has taken the merchantman,” replied Mr Billhook.

The Missing Ship |W. H. G. Kingston
Looking up, billhook in hand as a horseman struck sparks from the ride by the walk, he recognized Philip Taverney.

The Mesmerist's Victim |Alexandre Dumas
A soldier pointed out to the king a billhook which he had seized on the person of the vagabond.

Notre-Dame de Paris |Victor Hugo
Keep them to yourself, or, by George, we'll take 'em off with a billhook!

Chronicles of Martin Hewitt |Arthur Morrison

He was, it seemed, a “hedger and ditcher,” and his leathern gauntlets and billhook lay beside him on the ale-house bench.

The Brighton Road |Charles G. Harper

billhook

/ (ˈbɪlˌhʊk) /

a cutting tool with a wooden handle and a curved blade terminating in a hook at its tip, used for pruning, chopping, etc Also called: bill