hilt
HANDLE OF AN EDGED WEAPON
Guard (weapon); Sword-knot; Sword-knots; Sword knots; Hilts; Haft (sword); Hafts; Pommel (sword); Knuckle-bow; Oakeshott pommel type; Grip (sword); Hilt ring; Sword pommel; Sword handle; Handle of a sword; Handle of the sword; Dagger handle
(hilts)
1.
The hilt of a sword, dagger, or knife is its handle.
N-COUNT
2.
To the hilt and up to the hilt mean to the maximum extent possible or as fully as possible. (INFORMAL)
The men who wield the power are certainly backing him to the hilt...
PHRASE: usu PHR after v [emphasis]