large hatchet; broad-bladed knife
A large, sturdy knife or hatchet used in woodcraft, hunting, and sometimes in idiomatic expressions for drastic measures (e.g., 大鉈を振るう).
The hunter cut away branches with a large hatchet.
The company took drastic measures to reduce staff.
Standard kanji spelling.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; used when the second kanji is considered difficult or for readability.
Compound of 大 (large) and 鉈 (hatchet, billhook). The exact historical origin of 鉈 is uncertain.