MATTOCK

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does mattock mean? 

• MATTOCK (noun)
  The noun MATTOCK has 1 sense:

1. a kind of pick that is used for digging; has a flat blade set at right angles to the handle

  Familiarity information: MATTOCK used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MATTOCK (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A kind of pick that is used for digging; has a flat blade set at right angles to the handle

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("mattock" is a kind of...):

pick; pickax; pickaxe (a heavy iron tool with a wooden handle and a curved head that is pointed on both ends)

 Context examples 

I know it, for now and then I hear a far-away muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Close at his heels came three laborers walking abreast, with spade and mattock over their shoulders.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

A long, straggling troop bore spades and mattocks while the two rearmost of all staggered along under a huge basket o' fresh-caught carp, for the morrow was Friday, and there were fifty platters to be filled and as many sturdy trenchermen behind them.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)