Hatch"et (-ĕt), n. [F.
hachette, dim. of hache ax. See 1st Hatch,
Hash.] 1. A small ax with a short handle,
to be used with one hand.
2. Specifically, a tomahawk.
Buried was the bloody hatchet.
Longfellow.
Hatchet face, a thin, sharp face, like the
edge of a hatchet; hence: Hatchet-faced,
sharp-visaged. Dryden. -- To bury the
hatchet, to make peace or become reconciled. --
To take up the hatchet, to make or declare war.
The last two phrases are derived from the practice of the American
Indians.