curtal axe

noun

1. an obsolete term for cutlass

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtal axe¹

C16: alteration by folk etymology of Old French coutelas cutlass ; see curtal

Example Sentences

Oh, a lie is not like a blow with a curtal axe.

From Project Gutenberg

"A curtal axe?" said Sybrandt; "no, nor even like a stroke with a cudgel."

From Project Gutenberg

Two variations appear in English: “curtelace,” where the r represents probably the l of the original Latin word, or is a further variant of the second variation; and “curtelaxe,” often spelled as two words, “curtal axe,” where the prefix curtal is confused with various English words such as “curtan,” “curtal” and “curtail,” which all mean “shortened,” and are derived from the Lat. curtus; the word thus wrongly derived has been supposed to refer to some non-existent form of battle-axe.

From Project Gutenberg

His curtal axe bore down all before it, and he dashed like lightning from one part of the plain to another, with not a moment to smile at the opportune gift from the polite Malek-el-Afdal, who, in the hottest of the fight, sent him two fine horses, desiring him to use them in escaping from this dreadful peril.

From Project Gutenberg

I with ‘gallant curtal axe,’ dressed as a youth.

From Project Gutenberg