ax

or axe

[[t]æks[/t]] n. pl. ax•es [[t]ˈæk sɪz[/t]]

1) bui a tool with a blade on a handle or helve, used for hewing, cleaving, chopping, etc

2) mad sts Slang. a jazz instrument, esp. a guitar or saxophone

3) inf the ax

a) a sudden, peremptory dismissal, as from a job

b) a usu. summary removal or curtailment

4) to shape or trim with an ax

5) cvb to chop, split, or break open with an ax

6) inf to dismiss, restrict, or remove, esp. brutally or summarily:

Congress axed the budget[/ex]

•

- have an ax to grind

Etymology: bef. 1000; OE æx, æces; akin to OHG acc(h)us, a(c)kus, ON øx, ǫx, Go aquizi, L ascia (< *acsiā), Gk axinē