HELVE Meaning and
Definition
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Helve is a noun that refers to a long handle of a tool, typically made of wood, that provides leverage and control when used with a striking implement. It is primarily used in the context of hand tools like axes, hammers, and sledges, and it serves as the connecting link between the striking head and the user's hand.
The helve is usually cylindrical, with a length ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters (24 to 36 inches) on average. It is designed to be comfortable to grip, with a smooth surface and ergonomic contouring that fits the hand's natural shape. The helve is often tapered towards one or both ends, providing a secure attachment point for the tool head. This taper can be achieved by shaping the wood through carving or splitting.
The primary function of a helve is to absorb and distribute the force applied through the tool, enabling the user to strike with more accuracy and power. It acts as a lever, amplifying the force exerted by the user's arm and directing it towards the target. Additionally, the helve helps to reduce the impact felt by the user's hand, as wood has a natural shock-absorbing quality.
Overall, the helve is an essential component of various striking hand tools, providing the necessary leverage and control to effectively wield these implements, enhancing their functionality and usability.
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• The handle of an axe or hatchet.
• To furnish with a helve.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HELVE
Etymology of HELVE
The word "helve" originated from the Old English "hælf" which meant "handle" or "hilt". It is related to the Old High German "halb", the Old Norse "hjālpr", and the Gothic "halbs", all of which also meant "handle". In Proto-Germanic, the word was "halbaz". The word eventually evolved into "helve" in Middle English and has retained its meaning as "a long handle of a tool or weapon" ever since.
Idioms with the word HELVE
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send the helve after the hatchet
The idiom "send the helve after the hatchet" is an old proverbial phrase that means to continue pursuing a course of action even after it is clear that it will not succeed or to persist in a futile or pointless effort. It implies a stubborn or unyielding stubbornness and a refusal to give up or change tactics, even when it is obvious that further attempts will be fruitless. It originates from an old folk tale where a man loses his hatchet in a lake, but instead of accepting the loss, he throws the handle (helve) into the water as well, hoping to retrieve the hatchet by making it float. This idiom is often used to express the futility of stubbornly persisting in a failed
Similar spelling words for HELVE
Conjugate verb Helve
CONDITIONAL
I
would helve
you
would helve
he/she/it
would helve
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would helve
they
would helve
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be helving
you
would be helving
he/she/it
would be helving
we
would be helving
they
would be helving
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have helve
you
would have helve
he/she/it
would have helve
we
would have helve
they
would have helve
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been helving
you
would have been helving
he/she/it
would have been helving
we
would have been helving
they
would have been helving
FUTURE
I
will helve
you
will helve
he/she/it
will helve
we
will helve
they
will helve
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be helving
you
will be helving
he/she/it
will be helving
we
will be helving
they
will be helving
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have helved
you
will have helved
he/she/it
will have helved
we
will have helved
they
will have helved
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been helving
you
will have been helving
he/she/it
will have been helving
we
will have been helving
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will have been helving
IMPERATIVE
you
helve
we
let´s helve
to helve
PAST
I
helved
you
helved
he/she/it
helved
we
helved
they
helved
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was helving
you
were helving
he/she/it
was helving
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were helving
they
were helving
PAST PARTICIPLE
helved
PAST PERFECT
I
had helved
you
had helved
he/she/it
had helved
we
had helved
they
had helved
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been helving
you
had been helving
he/she/it
had been helving
we
had been helving
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had been helving
PRESENT
I
helve
you
helve
he/she/it
helves
we
helve
they
helve
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am helving
you
are helving
he/she/it
is helving
we
are helving
they
are helving
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
helving
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have helved
you
have helved
he/she/it
has helved
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have helved
they
have helved
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been helving
you
have been helving
he/she/it
has been helving
we
have been helving
they
have been helving
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