subs. phr. (Australian).—A corruption of TOMAHAWK (q.v.): an instance of the law of HOBSON-JOBSON (q.v.); but see quot.
1759. JOHNSON, The Idler, No. 40, Jan. 20. An Indian dressed as he goes to war, may bring company together; but if he carries the scalping knife and TOM-AX, there are many true Britons that will never be persuaded to see him but through a grate.
