μάχαιρ-α[μᾰ],ας (later -ης, dat. -ῃ, PTeb. 16.14
(ii B. C.), Ev.Luc. 21.24 , etc.),ἡ,
A. large knifeordirk, Il. 11.844 , 18.597 , 19.252 ; μ. ἥ οἱ πὰρ ξίφεος μέγα κουλεὸν αἰὲν ἄωρτο
3.271
;carving-knife, Pi. O. 1.49 , Hdt. 2.61 , Ar. Eq. 489 , Pl. R. 353a , etc.; κοπίδες μ.
E. Cyc. 242
;sacrificial knife, Ar. Pax 948 , Pl.Com. 91 , Michel 832.52 (Samos,iv B. C.):—ἡ Δελφικὴ μ.a knife adapted to various purposes, Arist. Pol. 1252b2 , cf. Hsch.
s.v. Δελφικὴ μ. ; prov., of greedy persons, because Delphian sacrificers claimed a share for the knife, App.Prov. 1.94 .
2. as a weapon,short sword, dagger, Pi. N. 4.59 , Hdt. 6.75 , 7.225 , Lys. 13.87 , etc.; an assassin's weapon, Antipho 5.69 ; used by jugglers, Pl. Euthd. 294e (pl.), etc.; later,sabre, opp. the straight sword (ξίφος), X. Eq. 12.11 , cf. HG 3.3.7 , Cyr. 1.2.13 , Ev.Matt. 26.52 , etc.;οἱ ἐπὶ τῆς μ., of a bodyguard, Arr. Epict. 1.30.7 ; but,ἐπὶ μ. τασσόμενοιpossessing power of life and death (jus gladii), Cat.Cod. Astr.
8(4).173 ;μ. ἱππικήcavalrysabre,