noun
- Plural of helf; handles of axes or hatchets.
Usage: archaic or specialized usage; more commonly 'handles' in modern English
Examples
- The woodsman replaced the worn helves on his axes before winter.
- Old helves made of hickory wood were prized for their durability.
- The carpenter carved new helves from ash to fit the axe heads.
- Helves that are too loose can cause the blade to fly off during use.