1. A battle ax used in the Middle Ages formed as a long handled ax and a pick.
2. An ax used to slaughter cattle which has a hammer opposite the blade. 3. Used to mean, "he fell as if he were hit with a poleax.

Generally, the head of the weapon consisted of an axe, or hammer, on the damaging "face", with a spike, hammer, or fluke on the reverse. In addition, there was a projection from the top built somewhat like a dagger.