— hatchetlike , adj.
/hach"it/ , n.
1. a small, short-handled ax having the end of the head opposite the blade in the form of a hammer, made to be used with one hand. See illus. under ax .
2. a tomahawk.
3. hatchetfish.
4. bury the hatchet , to become reconciled or reunited; make peace.
5. take up the hatchet , to begin or resume hostilities; prepare for or go to war: The natives are taking up the hatchet against the enemy.
v.t.
6. to cut, destroy, kill, etc., with a hatchet.
7. to abridge, delete, excise, etc.: The network censor may hatchet 30 minutes from the script.
[ 1300-50; 1670-80, Amer. for def. 4; ME hachet hachette, dim. (see -ET) of hache ax hapja kind of knife; akin to Gk kóptein to cut (cf. COMMA, SYNCOPE) ]