SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

purgatory hammer

noun
Save Word

Definition of purgatory hammer

: a prehistoric stone hammer that was formerly popularly supposed to have been buried with the dead for use in knocking at the gates of purgatory

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for purgatory hammer

purgatory entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About purgatory hammer

Dictionary Entries Near purgatory hammer

purgatory

purgatory hammer

purge

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for purgatory hammer

Cite this Entry

“Purgatory hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purgatory%20hammer. Accessed 20 Oct. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon
Seen & Heard
People are talking about

WORD OF THE DAY

batten

Listen to the pronunciation of batten

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet pasta spelling help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games