Poleaxe, Poleax n. Anciently, a kind of battle-ax with a long handle; later, an ax or hatchet with a short handle, and a head variously patterned; used by soldiers, and also by sailors in boarding a vessel.
... lid would turn a poleaxe, sure; that's why I brought it back—it's out on the fire ... — The Definite Object - A Romance of New York • Jeffery Farnol
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