Mattock

From Wikinfo

A mattock is an agricultural tool similar to a mining pick. It is distinguished by the head terminating in a broader blade rather than a narrow spike, which makes it particularly suitably for breaking up moderately hard ground. This broad bladed end was effectively an adze that could be used as a hoe as well. If the reverse had a pointed end the tool was called a pick mattock and if it instead had a axe-like splitting end it was a cutter mattock. Mattock heads range from 3 to 7 pounds in weight, and are normally mounted on a 3 to 4 foot shaft.

During the middle ages of Europe, the mattock served as an improvised shafted weapon for the poorer classes.

References

• Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Mattock" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattock, used under the GNU Free Documentation License