A deep socket in the blade of a tool (especially a hammer) into which the wooden handle is fitted; (originally and frequently attributive) of or designating a tool having such a fitting, especially in "adze-eye hammer".
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of adze-eye in US English:
adze-eye
(USadz-eye)
noun
US
A deep socket in the blade of a tool (especially a hammer) into which the wooden handle is fitted; (originally and frequently attributive) of or designating a tool having such a fitting, especially in "adze-eye hammer".