palstave Archæol.
(ˈpɔːlsteɪv)
Also -staff, ‖ paalstave, ‖ paalstab.
[ad. Da. paalstav:—Icel. pálstaf-r, f. páll hoe or spade + staf-r stave, staff.]
A form of celt of bronze or other metal, shaped so as to fit into a split handle, instead of having a socket into which the handle fits.
| 1851 D. Wilson Preh. Ann. 255 Implements to which archæologists are now generally agreed in applying the old Scandinavian term Paalstab, or its recently adopted English synonyme, Palstave, originally..designating a weapon employed in battering the shields of the foe. 1877 L. Jewitt Half-hrs. among Eng. Antiq. 51 In others the entire weapon is made thicker, with a groove (answering to flanged sides, so far as it goes) on either side, and a stop⁓ridge. These are generally denominated ‘palstaves’, from the old Scandinavian term paalstaf. 1894 Notts & Derbysh. N. & Q. Aug. 110 Sixteen socketed celts, four spear-heads,..a palstave with three ribs on the diaphragm above the stop⁓ridge, a ferrule, and other objects. |