mattock
an instrument for loosening the soil in digging, shaped like a pickax, but having one end broad instead of pointed.
Origin of mattock
1Words 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.
The Story Of The Duchess Of Cicogne And Of Monsieur De Boulingrin | Anatole FranceThis 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 AinsworthIt reminds us somewhat of the grub-hoe or mattock, and probably served a similar purpose—to break up the ground.
The New Stone Age in Northern Europe | John M. TylerSo we marched up into the mountains at midnight, every man with bow and spear, axe and mattock.
Sarchedon | G. J. (George John) Whyte-MelvilleThe 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
/ (ˈmætək) /
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
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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