helve, helfe, hellfe

[A. S. hielf; cogn. with O. Dan. helve; M. H. Ger. half; O. H. Ger. halb, halbe, helbe.] 1. The handle or shaft of a chopping-tool, such as an ax, an adze, or a hatchet. "The slipping of an ax from the helve , whereby another is slain, was the work of God himself."- Raleigh : History . 2. A tilt-hammer, used for shingling the balls as they come from the puddling-furnace. *3. The head of an ax.