machete

Definition

A sword-like tool used for cutting large plants with a chopping motion, or used as a weapon.

Etymology

From Spanish machete, diminutive of macho (“sledgehammer”), from Latin mattea, possibly from mactare (“slaughter in sacrifice”); cognate with Old French machier, French massue, English mace.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: (all sometimes or regionally synonymous) bolo, golok, panga, parang, sundang"
• "It breaks loose one rope at a time, haphazardly, tossing the Filipinos up into the air. A boy with a machete cuts the one remaining line, which pops up and lashes him across the face."

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