A formidable weapon used in combat on foot by dismounted knights. It carried an axe, as its name suggests, but two other weapons were integrated: a hammer and a long spike. Poleaxes were usually long-handled, giving extra force to the blow delivered by a long swing, most effectively against the head. [< OldEngl. pollax = poll (i.e. head) + axe] -
Cf. Halberd
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.