battleaxe
/ˈbat(ə)laks
/(US also battleax)
noun
1A large broad-bladed axe used in ancient warfare.Weaponry consisted of battleaxes, thrusting spears and daggers for the infantry, while the leaders in their battlewagons carry sheafs of javelins....
- Most of the Order of Tomanâk's knights were medium or heavy horse who fought with lance, sword, battleaxe, or mace.
- They armed themselves with a range of dangerous weapons such as battleaxes and knives deployed in frequent fights for control and authority in and around the mining complexes.
Synonyms
poleaxe, axe, pike, halberd, tomahawk, war mattock, mace
2 informal A formidably aggressive older woman: a battleaxe with inflexible house rules...
- So I went to Woolworths (I wasn't going to confront one of those painted battleaxes in House of Fraser) and bought some brown mascara.
- Women in uniform were portrayed as brainless glamour girls, in the military for a good time, or as man-hating battleaxes.
- The town's most eligible young widow - well, older than he is by about ten years, but still, far from being the battleaxe he'd imagined her to be - is definitely coming on to him.
Synonyms
harridan, dragon, crone, witch, hag, gorgon, ogress, hellcat, harpy, tartar, martinet, termagant, virago, fury;
shrew, nag
informal old bat, old bag, bitch
Scottish & Northern Irish informal targe
archaic scold
rare Xanthippe