helve
UK: hɛlv | US: hɛlv
n. the handle of a tool or weapon, especially an axe or hammer
The word "helve" traces back to Old English hielfe or helfe, meaning "handle of a tool," derived from Proto-Germanic *halbiz. It shares roots with Old Norse hjalt (sword hilt) and Old High German helft (handle). The morpheme helv- preserves the core idea of a gripping or holding part, while the silent -e is a vestigial suffix common in archaic English nouns. The word's specificity to tool handles reflects its practical origins in early Germanic craftsmanship.
The blacksmith carved a new helve for the axe from sturdy hickory wood.
A loose helve can make swinging a hammer dangerous.
He gripped the helve tightly as he split the log.
Traditional axes often feature wooden helves for better shock absorption.
The museum displayed an ancient adze with a beautifully preserved helve.