mattock

[ mat-uhk ]

noun
  1. an instrument for loosening the soil in digging, shaped like a pickax, but having one end broad instead of pointed.

Origin of mattock

1
before 900; Middle English mattok,Old English mattuc

Words Nearby mattock

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use mattock in a sentence

  • They still used to say in the country districts: "The spindles must follow the mattock," but it was only by force of habit.

  • This ride of mine shall ring in their ears long after I'm done for—put to bed with a mattock, and tucked up with a spade.

    Rookwood | William Harrison Ainsworth
  • It reminds us somewhat of the grub-hoe or mattock, and probably served a similar purpose—to break up the ground.

  • So we marched up into the mountains at midnight, every man with bow and spear, axe and mattock.

    Sarchedon | G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville
  • The mattock and spade are realistic of the grave; the open book proclaims the promise of the heaven beyond.

    In Search Of Gravestones Old And Curious | W.T. (William Thomas) Vincent

British Dictionary definitions for mattock

mattock

/ (ˈmætək) /


noun
  1. a type of large pick that has one end of its blade shaped like an adze, used for loosening soil, cutting roots, etc

Origin of mattock

1
Old English mattuc, of unknown origin; related to Latin mateola club, mallet

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012