handspike

noun

hand·spike ˈhan(d)-ˌspīk

: 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

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Browse Nearby Words

hand specimen

handspike

handspoke

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Handspike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handspike. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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