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handspike

American  
[hand-spahyk] / ˈhændˌspaɪk /

noun

  1. a bar used as a lever.


handspike British  
/ ˈhændˌspaɪk /

noun

  1. a bar or length of pipe used as a lever

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of handspike

1605–15; < Dutch handspaak ( hand, spoke 2 ), with -spaak replaced by spike 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Milo had picked up a handspike, and with it across his breast he bore back the scowling rascals, smiling the while himself with quiet contempt.

From The Pirate Woman by Dingle, Aylward Edward

But Tom continued to beat the rail with the handspike, now and then stopping to look at the yacht, which seemed to be rapidly falling behind.

From No Moss The Career of a Rolling Stone by Castlemon, Harry

But his gang of teamsters wanted him and his handspike, so he went on.

From Cedar Creek From the Shanty to the Settlement by Walshe, Elizabeth Hely

The sailors having hurried into the boats, the lieutenant seized a handspike, and knocking off the fastening of the hatchway, left it so that a very moderate amount of strength would force it up.

From Adventures of Hans Sterk The South African Hunter and Pioneer by Drayson, A. W. (Alfred Wilks)

She could hear the ringing of the hired man’s axe across the clearing, but there was a great deal for him to do, and, taking up the handspike again, she strained at it.

From The Greater Power by Dunton, W. Herbert