I. ˈpōl-ˌaks noun
Etymology: Middle English polax, pollax, from pol, polle poll + ax
Date: 14th century
1. : a battle-ax with a short handle and often a hook or spike opposite the blade ; also : one with a long handle used as an ornamental weapon
2. : an ax used in slaughtering cattle
II. transitive verb
Date: 1882
: to attack, strike, or fell with or as if with a poleax