n. & v. (US ax)
--n.
1. a chopping-tool, usu. of iron with a steel edge and wooden handle.
2 the drastic cutting or elimination of expenditure, staff, etc.
--v.tr. (axing)
1. cut (esp. costs or services) drastically.
2 remove or dismiss.
Phrases and idioms:
axe-breaker a hard-wooded Australian tree. an axe to grind private ends to serve.
Etymology: OE {aelig}x f. Gmc