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 Englishhilthilt, handle
3Proto-Germanicheltąhandle; hilt
4Proto-Indo-Europeankel-to hit; beat; to pierce, to stab; goblet

Words derived from “hilt”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European kel- →Every word from Proto-Germanic heltą →Every word from Old English hilt →