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Hilt: meaning, definitions and examples

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hilt

 

[ hɪlt ]

Context #1

of a sword

The hilt of a sword is the handle, especially when it is very decorative and made of metal or ivory.

Synonyms

grip, haft, handle

Examples of usage

  • The knight's sword gleamed in the sunlight, the hilt adorned with intricate carvings.
  • She gripped the hilt tightly as she prepared to defend herself.
Context #2

of a dagger or knife

The hilt of a dagger or knife is its handle, especially when it is ornate or jeweled.

Synonyms

grip, haft, handle

Examples of usage

  • The assassin's dagger had a hilt encrusted with rubies.
  • He unsheathed the knife, admiring the intricate designs on the hilt.
Context #3

figurative

In a figurative sense, the hilt can refer to the very limit or maximum degree of something.

Synonyms

fullest extent, limit, maximum

Examples of usage

  • She was exhausted to the hilt after running the marathon.
  • The team pushed themselves to the hilt to meet the deadline.

Translations

Translations of the word "hilt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 punhal

🇮🇳 हिल्ट

🇩🇪 Griff

🇮🇩 gagang

🇺🇦 руків'я

🇵🇱 uchwyt

🇯🇵 柄

🇫🇷 poignée

🇪🇸 empuñadura

🇹🇷 sap

🇰🇷 손잡이

🇸🇦 مقبض

🇨🇿 rukojeť

🇸🇰 rukoväť

🇨🇳 刀柄

🇸🇮 ročaj

🇮🇸 handfang

🇰🇿 ұстағыш

🇬🇪 ხელის

🇦🇿 tutacaq

🇲🇽 empugnadura

Word origin

The word 'hilt' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'hilt', meaning handle. It has been used since the 13th century to refer to the handle of a weapon, particularly a sword. The word has Germanic roots and is related to the Dutch 'heft' and German 'heft'. Over time, 'hilt' has come to symbolize the decorative and functional handle of various bladed weapons, adding both practicality and elegance to their design.