axeman

English

Alternative forms

• axman

Etymology

From axe +‎ man.

Noun

axeman (plural axemen)

1. (also figurative) A man who wields an axe.

   Coordinate term: axewoman

   • 1996, Steve L. Kent, Microsoft Age of Empires: Inside Moves, page 69:

     If you charge into the Upper Egyptians head-on, they may pepper your axemen with arrows from on top of the cliff.

   • 2023 March 8, Howard Johnston, “Was Marples the real railway wrecker?”, in RAIL, number 978, page 51:

     Robertson was finally asked to step down at the end of 1961. His successor would be Dr Beeching, who was seen as both visionary and axeman.

2. (informal, music) A musician who plays a guitar or saxophone.

   Synonym: saxophonist

   • 1981 June 18, Kurt Loder, “Rolling Stone”, in Anchorage Daily News / King Features Syndicate‎^[1], page G6:

     Ex-Aerosmith axeman Joe Perry has finished recording his first solo effort, "I've Got the Rock 'n' Rolls Again."