tomax

English

Alternative forms

• tomaxe

Etymology

Blend of tomahawk +‎ axe. Dating from the 1750s, this is the first recorded portmanteau word in the English language.

Noun

tomax (plural tomaxes)

1. (obsolete) Synonym of tomahawk
   • 1759, Benjamin Martin, Miscellaneous Correspondence, containing a Variety of Subjects:

     As there is lately arrived from America a Mohawk Indian Warrior, one of General J ohnson's Guards who had distinguished himself at the Battle of Lake George, (where General Johnson beat the French) by his singular Valour in taking the French General, Monsieur Desseau, Prisoner ; and as the above-named Indian Warrior (for the Gratification of the Curious) is expos'd to public View, dress'd in the same Manner with his native Indians when they go to War, with his Face and Body painted, his Scalping-knife, and Tomax, or Battle-axe, and all the other Implements that are used by Indians in Battle, we imagine a Copper-plate Print of this extraordianry Person will be agreeable.

   • 1762, Samuel Eliot?, Tracts, page 35:

     When Albion's safety would, how swift to save; (A deed for Gods !) he pitied, and forgave. Here he restrain'd the Indian's thirst of gore, And bid the murd'rous tomax drink no more.

   • 1802, The Speech of Caunonicus, Or an Indian Tradition: a Poem, with Explanatory Notes, page 19:

     A friendly tomax then like lightning driven, Released Oswego's soul—It flew to love and heaven!

   • 1810, Benjamin Moore, The Portfolio, page 76:

     ...possibly be promoted by an unprovoked attack from an invisible foe, who, in the true spirit of Indian warfare, hurls his tomax, and aims his arrows from the covert of Concealment, and the ambush of Safety.

   • 1824, John Rodgers Jewitt, Richard Alsop, The Adventures and Sufferings of John R. Jewitt, page 24:

     With this view, we immediately set about getting our water casks in readiness, and the next and two succeeding days, part of the crew were sent on shore to cut pine timber, and asist the carpenter in making it into yards and spars for the ship, while those on board were employed in refitting the rigging, repairing the sails, &c. when we proceeded to take in our wood and water as expeditiously as possible, during which time I kept myself busily employed in repairing the muskets, making knives, tomaxes, &c. and doing such iron work as was wanted for the ship.

   • 1837, E. Battye, “The Red Indian”, in Giuliano de' Medici, and other poems:

     He grasps his tomax, strings his bow, And fearful looks his ire; His teeth are clenched, his eye balls glow With more than mortal fire.