Hatch"et (?), n. [F. hachette, dim. of hache . See 1st Hatch, Hash.]

1.

A small ax with a short handle, to be used with one hand.

2.

Specifically, a tomahawk.

Buried was the bloody hatchet. Longfellow.

Hatchet face, a thin, sharp face, like the edge of a hatchet; hence: Hatchet-faced, sharp-visaged. Dryden. -- To bury the hatchet, to make peace or become reconciled. -- To take up the hatchet, to make or declare war. The last two phrases are derived from the practice of the American Indians.

 

© Webster 1913.