Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “hilt” come from?

Hilt comes from Old English hilt, from Proto-Indo-European kel-, a root meaning to conceal or cover, referring to the handle that sheathes the hand.

hilt (English): The handle of a sword, consisting of grip, guard,...

Definitions

  1. The handle of a sword, consisting of grip, guard,...

Ancestry of “hilt”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle EnglishhiltAlternative form of hilte; Alternative form of...
2Old Englishhilt—
3Proto-Germanicheltąhandle; hilt
4Proto-Indo-Europeankel-to hit; beat; to pierce, to stab; goblet

Words derived from “hilt”

  • hilted
  • hiltless
  • sub-hilt
  • uphilt
Every word from Proto-Indo-European kel- →