The pollaxe is a type of European polearm which was very popular for foot combat during medieval times. It went by other terms such as poll-axe, pole axe, polax, or Hache (French meaning axe); however the accepted term is pollaxe from old English "head axe".

Types of pollaxe

The pollaxe design arose from the need to breach the plate armor of men at arms during the 14th and 15th centuries. Generally, the form consisted of a wooden shaft some 4-6.5 feet long, mounted with a steel head. It seems most schools of combat suggest a shaft length comparable to the height of the wielder, but some cases appear to have grown up to 8 feet in length.

The design of the head varied greatly with a variety of interchangeable parts and rivets. Generally, the head bore an axe or hammer upon the damaging 'face', with a spike, hammer, or fluke on the reverse. In addition,there was a projection from the top (often square in cross section) built somewhat like a dagger. The head was attached to the squared off wooden pole via long flat strips of metal which were riveted in place on either 2 or 4 of its sides. Also, a round hilt-like disc called a rondelle was placed just below the head. They also appear to have borne one or two rings along the poles length as places to prevent hands from slipping. Also of note is that the 'butt end' of the staff, which did NOT contain the weapon's 'head', bore a spike.

On quick glance, the pollaxe is often confused with the similar looking halberd and Bec de Corbin. However, the 'axe blade' on a pollaxe seems to have been consistently smaller than that of a halberd. Furthermore, many halberds had their heads forged as a single piece, while the pollaxe was always modular in design.

See also

• Bill hook

Popular Usage

The poleaxe in that spelling, refers to a animal culling device of similar appearance. It was swung so the spike struck the animal, normally cattle, in the forehead. In competent hands the animal would be killed instantly, dropping to the floor. Hence also the phrase 'to be poleaxed' referring to being stunned.