hilt

[ hilt ]

noun

1. the handle of a sword or dagger.
2. the handle of any weapon or tool.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a hilt.

hilt

/ hɪlt /

noun

1. the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc
2. to the hilt
   to the full

verb

1. tr to supply with a hilt

Word History and Origins

Origin of hilt¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English hilt(e); cognate with Middle Dutch hilt(e), Old Norse hjalt, Old High German helza “handle of a sword”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hilt¹

Old English; related to Old Norse hjalt, Old Saxon helta oar handle, Old High German helza

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. to the hilt, to the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully Also up to the hilt.

   to play the role to the hilt.

More idioms and phrases containing hilt

see to the hilt .

Example Sentences

The performers are encouraged to play their roles to the comic hilt.

From Los Angeles Times

Let’s back him to the hilt and take it to Trump.

From Salon

Still, he was a perfect match for Yang, who played Santos to the hilt in various appearances on Weekend Update and in opening sketches.

From New York Times

For years, the national Democratic Party has faced criticism that it has declined to back Black women to the hilt, either in primaries or general elections, when they have run for statewide offices.

From New York Times

The larger-than-life painting by artist Jonathan Yeo captures the king with his hands clasped atop the hilt of his sword and a butterfly flitting above his right shoulder.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• knob
• shaft
• stem