Short axe Crossword Clue

The crossword clue "Short axe" with the answer "HATCHET" refers to a small, hand-held tool with a short handle and a broad, sharp blade. Unlike larger axes used for chopping down trees, a hatchet is designed for more precise tasks such as splitting small logs or chopping branches.

Its compact size makes it more maneuverable and suitable for tasks that require control and accuracy. The term "short axe" aptly describes the hatchet's main characteristic, distinguishing it from its larger, more cumbersome counterparts.

The crossword clue "Short axe" with the answer "HACKBUT" refers to a historical type of weapon that combines characteristics of both a axe and a firearm. The hackbut, used in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, was a short-barreled firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder or a support, resembling a large, early form of a rifle.

The term "hackbut" itself is derived from the Old French "hache" meaning "axe" and "boute" from "bouter" meaning "to thrust," reflecting the weapon's dual nature of delivering both cutting and shooting capabilities.

The crossword clue "Short axe" with the answer "HAWKBIT" refers to a type of plant commonly known as a hawkbit, which is a member of the dandelion family. The name "hawkbit" is derived from its Old English term "hocbitter," reflecting its bitter taste.

The clue's use of "short axe" as a cryptic hint plays on the word "bit," which can mean a small piece or part of something, and thus, indirectly leads to the plant's name. In crossword puzzles, such cryptic clues often involve wordplay or puns, making the solution not immediately obvious.