plural of north-seeking pole

A weasel-like animal of the genus Mustela. / notably, the European polecat, Mustela putorius. / (US, dialects, including Appalachia) A skunk.

A person who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant. / An argument or controversy.

Having the characteristics of a polemic.

Being an attempt to evaluate the arguments comprehensively. / (somewhat derogatory) Prone to causing disputes; inclined to causing the expression of opposing opinions, disputatious, contentious, edgy.

A diatribe or polemic.

Alternative spelling of poleaxe

Alternative spelling of poleaxe

An ax having both a blade and a hammer face; used to slaughter cattle. / (historical) A long-handled battle axe, being a combination of ax, hammer and pike.

(transitive) To fell someone with, or as if with, a poleaxe. / (transitive, figuratively) To astonish; to shock or surprise utterly. / (transitive, figuratively) To stymie, thwart, cripple, paralyze.