The handle or haft of an axe, tool, or similar implement; also, the process of fitting a handle to an axe or tool.
From Old English hielfe or similar Germanic roots meaning 'handle,' related to Old High German halba. The word has been used in English since at least the medieval period for axe handles and tool hafts.
The quality of helving determined whether medieval woodcutters lived or died—a poorly fitted handle could cause an axe to fly loose mid-swing, making the helving as important as the blade itself!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.