tomahawk

/ˌtɑməˈhɔk/

/ˈtɒməhɔk/

Other forms: tomahawks; tomahawked; tomahawking

A tomahawk is an axe-like tool that was invented by the Algonquian people of North America. Originally made of stone or antler, newer tomahawks have metal heads and wooden handles.

After Algonquins developed the tomahawk using sharpened rock, wood, and rawhide to bind the two together, other indigenous groups also adopted the tool. Once Europeans arrived on the continent, steel and iron were used to make tomahawk heads. There were many uses for tomahawks, including as a weapon in hand-to-hand fighting. The word comes from the Virginia Algonquin tamahaac, "what is used in cutting," and tamaham, "he cuts."

Definitions of tomahawk

1. noun

   weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians
   synonyms: hatchet

   type of:

   arm, weapon, weapon system

   any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
2. verb

   fight or cut with an ax-like weapon
   type of:

   cut

   separate with or as if with an instrument