hatchet

[ hach-it ]
/ ˈhætʃ ɪt /

noun

a small, short-handled ax having the end of the head opposite the blade in the form of a hammer, made to be used with one hand.
a tomahawk.

verb (used with object)

to cut, destroy, kill, etc., with a hatchet.
to abridge, delete, excise, etc.: The network censor may hatchet 30 minutes from the script.

Idioms for hatchet

    bury the hatchet, to become reconciled or reunited; make peace.
    take up the hatchet, to begin or resume hostilities; prepare for or go to war: The natives are taking up the hatchet against the enemy.

Origin of hatchet

1300–50; 1670–80, Americanism for def 6; Middle English hachet < Middle French hachette, diminutive (see -et) of hache ax < Frankish *hapja kind of knife; akin to Greek kóptein to cut (cf. comma, syncope)

OTHER WORDS FROM hatchet

hatch·et·like, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for hatchet

British Dictionary definitions for hatchet

hatchet
/ (ˈhætʃɪt) /

noun

a short axe used for chopping wood, etc
a tomahawk
(modifier) of narrow dimensions and sharp features a hatchet face
bury the hatchet to cease hostilities and become reconciled

Derived forms of hatchet

hatchet-like, adjective

Word Origin for hatchet

C14: from Old French hachette, from hache axe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German happa knife

Idioms and Phrases with hatchet

hatchet