haftless
|haft-less|
/ˈhæftləs/
without a handle
Etymology
'haftless' is formed from the noun 'haft' + the suffix '-less' (meaning 'without'). 'haft' comes from Old English 'hæft' meaning 'handle' or 'hilt'.
'haftless' was created by combining Old English elements: 'haft' (Old English 'hæft') and the suffix '-less' (Old English '-lēas'), and it developed into the modern English adjective 'haftless'.
Initially it meant 'without a handle' in a literal, physical sense; over time it has occasionally been used figuratively to mean 'unarmed' or 'without support', though such figurative use is rare or archaic.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
without a haft; lacking a handle or hilt (of a knife, dagger, tool, etc.).
A haftless knife is awkward to use.
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Adjective 2
(rare, figurative or archaic) Unarmed or without defensive support; unprotected.
In that account the hero was left haftless against many foes.
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Last updated: 2025/12/29 03:10