An Axe

1. A tool for felling trees or chopping wood etc. consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side, and a handle attached to it.
2. An ancient weapon consisting of a head that has one or two blades and a long handle.
3. (informal) A dismissal or rejection. Synonyms: chop, pink slip, sack, boot
4. (figuratively) A drastic reduction or cutback.
5. (slang, music) A gigging musician's particular instrument, especially a guitar in rock music or a saxophone in jazz.
6. (finance) A position, interest, or reason in buying and selling stock, often with ulterior motives.

Usage notes

• In the United States, some spell the weapon axe and the tool ax to distinguish them, though most people use the same spelling for both senses.