Frow

/fraʊ/ noun

Definition

A woodworking tool with a blade set at right angles to the handle, used for splitting shingles, staves, or other wood products by striking it with a mallet.

Etymology

From Dutch frauw or froe, related to Germanic words; the tool has been used since medieval times in woodworking and shipbuilding traditions.

Kelly Says

A frow is basically the medieval version of a power saw—when you needed to split wood by hand, this tool let you create perfectly uniform pieces for barrel-making or roofing.

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