helve

views updated

helve handle of a weapon or tool. OE. h(i)elfe, corr. to OS. helfi (MDu. helf, helve), OHG. halp; f. WGmc. *χalƀ- (cf. HALTER) :- IE. *kalp-, as in OPruss. kalpus waggon-rail, Lith. kálpa cross-piece of a sledge.

More From encyclopedia.com