The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Helve \Helve\, n. [OE. helve, helfe, AS. hielf, helf, hylf, cf.
   OHG. halb; and also E. halter, helm of a rudder.]
   1. The handle of an ax, hatchet, or adze.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Iron Working)
      (a) The lever at the end of which is the hammer head, in a
          forge hammer.
      (b) A forge hammer which is lifted by a cam acting on the
          helve between the fulcrum and the head.
          [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Helve \Helve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Helved; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Helving.]
   To furnish with a helve, as an ax.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

helve
    n 1: the handle of a weapon or tool [syn: haft, helve]