wolf hook

English

A reconstruction of a wolf trap.

A wolf hook symbol, a stylization of the bottom part of the trap.

Etymology

wolf +‎ hook, called so because the original tool was used in the hunting of wolves.

Noun

wolf hook (plural wolf hooks)

1. A thunderbolt drawn as a straight-edged runic s with a horizontal bar in the middle and the ends angled at 90 degrees centerwise, now especially when used as a Nazi symbol.
2. (historical) A kind of trap used to catch wolves, consisting of an upper part resembling a crescent moon, meant to be fastened between tree branches, and a lower part (connected by a chain) in the form of a double hook, meant to be covered with meat and swallowed by a wolf.
3. (by extension) A kind of modern-day assault rifle handle in a similar shape.

Synonyms

• wolf's hook
• wolfsangel