noun
hilt
hihlt
noun
1
The handle of a sword or knife, including the grip and guard.
"He gripped the hilt tightly before drawing the blade."
"The sword's hilt was decorated with silver."
How to Use Hilt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe part of a sword or dagger you hold onto, as opposed to the blade.
Common mistake
Mostly seen today in the phrase "to the hilt," meaning completely or fully (as if a blade were pushed in as far as the handle).
Common pairings
to the hilt
grip the hilt
sword hilt
Word Forms
hilted past tense, hilts plural, Hilts plural, hilts singular
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He gripped the _____ tightly before drawing the blade.
Etymology
From Old English hilt, related to Old Norse hjalt.