Helve (?), n. [OE. helve, helfe, AS. hielf, helf, hylf, cf. OHG. halb; and also E. halter, helm of a rudder.]
1.
The handle of an ax, hatchet, or adze.
2. Iron Working (a)
The lever at the end of which is the hammer head, in a forge hammer.
(b)
A forge hammer which is lifted by a cam acting on the helve between the fulcrum and the head.
© Webster 1913.
Helve, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Helved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Helving.]
To furnish with a helve, as an ax.
© Webster 1913.