a large saw formerly used for cutting logs into planks, operated by two people, one standing on top of the log and the other in a pit underneath it
pitsaw in American English
(ˈpɪtˌsɔ)
noun
a two-handed saw used in pit sawing
Also: pit saw
Derived forms
pit sawyer
Word origin
[1670–80; pit1 + saw1]This word is first recorded in the period 1670–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: bonding, cohesion, festoon, saber, slump