billhook

English

noun
Definitions
  • (weapons) A medieval polearm with a similar construct, fitted to a long handle, sometimes with an L-shaped tine or a spike protruding from the side or the end of the blade for tackling the opponent; a bill
  • An agricultural implement often with a curved or hooked end to the blade used for pruning or cutting thick, woody plants.
  • Written as bill-hook: a part of the knotting mechanism in a reaper-binder or baler (agricultural machinery).
  • Written as bill hook: a spiked hook used in offices and shops for hanging bills or other small papers such as receipts.
  • (ornithology) Written as bill hook: a sharply pointed spike growing from the tip of the upper mandible of the hatchlings of honeyguides, used to destroy the eggs and kill the chicks of the host species.

Etymology

Compound from English bill (note of charges for goods, the point of beyond the fluke, sheet of paper, cutting instrument, list) + English hook (qualifier).

Origin

English

hook

Gloss

qualifier

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms