/hilt/ , n.
1. the handle of a sword or dagger.
2. the handle of any weapon or tool.
3. to the hilt , to the maximum extent or degree; completely; fully: to play the role to the hilt. Also, up to the hilt .
v.t.
4. to furnish with a hilt.
[ bef. 900; ME, OE hilt ( e ); c. MD hilt ( e ), ON hjalt, OHG helza handle of a sword ]