POLEAX

{ Pole″ax′, Pole″axe′ } (?), n. [[OE. pollax; cf. OD. pollexe. See Poll head, and Ax.]] 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.