hatchet hatchet /ˈhætʃət/

noun

1. A small ax with a short handle used with one hand (usually to chop wood)  ( hatchet )
   a small ax with a short handle used with one hand (usually to chop wood)
    He used a hatchet to chop the firewood into smaller pieces.
   He used a hatchet to chop the firewood into smaller pieces.
   
   
2. Weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians  ( hatchet , tomahawk )
   weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians