handspike

noun

hand·​spike ˈhan(d)-ˌspīk How to pronounce handspike (audio)
: a bar used as a lever

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Dutch handspaak, from hand hand + spaak pole; akin to Old English spāca spoke

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handspike was in 1559

Rhymes for handspike

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Browse Nearby Words

hand specimen
handspike
handspoke
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Cite this Entry

“Handspike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handspike. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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