froe

Etymology 1

Abbreviation of obsolete frower, from froward (“turned away”), referring to the orientation of the blade, at right angles to the handle. From late 16th century.

noun

1. A cleaving tool for splitting cask staves and shingles from a block of wood.

Etymology 2

See frow.

noun

1. (obsolete) A dirty woman; a slattern; a frow.
   1630, Michael Drayton, Nymphal IV, [from The Muses Elizium], 1793, The Works of the British Poets, Volume 3: Drayton, Carew & Suckling, page 618, Like to thoſe raging frantic froes / For Bacchus' feaſts prepared;