noun

hilt

HILT/hɪlt/

The handle of a sword, dagger, or similar weapon.

The sword's hilt includes a pommel, leather-wrapped grip, and protective crossguard.

A close-up of a plain sword handle, showing the pommel, leather-wrapped grip, and crossguard in full, with only a short section of blade visible to establish what the handle belongs to.

Etymology

Old English hilt already named the handle of a sword or dagger. The modern meaning preserves that use, while the word's deeper origin remains uncertain.

In context

Storytime Haven288:26

Take this sword!” said Nigel, and he turned the hilt to the cripple. “Now!” he added, as he drew his hunting knife.

Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

The dagger has a carved wooden hilt.
She grips the hilt firmly as she draws the blade.
Several swords in the collection have silver hilts.

Forms

hilt · hilts

Similar words

handle: A broader term for the held part of any tool.
grip: Specifically the portion held, rather than the entire hilt.