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battle-ax

noun bat·tle-ax \ ˈba-tᵊl-ˌaks \
variants: or battle-axe

Definition of battle-ax

1 :a broadax formerly used as a weapon of war
2 :a usually older woman who is sharp-tongued, domineering, or combative

See battle-ax defined for English-language learners

See battle-ax defined for kids

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First Known Use of battle-ax

14th century

battle-ax Synonyms

Synonyms
battle-ax (or battle-axe), dragon lady, fury, harpy, harridan, termagant, virago, vixen
Related Words
fishwife, gorgon; carper, castigator, caviler (or caviller), censurer, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold; belittler, derider, detractor; pettifogger, quibbler

BATTLE-AX Defined for English Language Learners

battle-ax

noun

Definition of battle-ax for English Language Learners

  • : an ax with a large blade that was used as a weapon in the past

  • : an unpleasant older woman who speaks in an angry way and tries to control others

BATTLE-AX Defined for Kids

battle-ax

noun bat·tle-ax
variants: or battle-axe \ˈba-tᵊl-ˌaks\

Definition of battle-ax for Students

:an ax with a broad blade formerly used as a weapon

Learn More about battle-ax

  1. See words that rhyme with battle-ax Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for battle-ax

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