Webster's English Dictionary

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ax

1. ax or axe \'aks\ n [ME, fr. OE cx; akin to OHG ackus ax, L ascia, 
   Gk Xaxine- 1: a cutting tool that consists of a heavy edged head fixed to a 
   handle wit h the edge parallel to the handle and that is used esp. for 
   felling trees and chopping and splitting wood 2: a hammer with a sharp edge 
   for dressing or spalling stone  3: removal from office or employment : 
   DISMISSAL {got the ~ }
2. ax or axe vt 1a: to shape, dress, or trim with an ax  1b: to chop, 
   split, or sever with an ax  2: to remove, kill, or curtail as if with an ax