Definition of "hilt"

A partial tang does not extend all the way through the hilt and is normally not more than half the width of the blade. The length of the tang and the width, particularly where it narrows before entering the pommel, vary from sword to sword.

2009, James Drewe, Tàijí Jiàn 32-Posture Sword Form, Singing Dragon

he draws it again, and just wetting it with spittle, re-enters, and with ease sheath'd it now up to the hilt

1749, [John Cleland], “(Please specify the letter or volume)”, in Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [Fanny Hill], London: […] G. Fenton [i.e., Fenton and Ralph Griffiths] […]

Being lightly hilted, it was very heavy in the point and was useful only as an unscientific chopper, dangerous if it connected with a vital part of an adversary, ideal for cutting at defenceless infantry, but unsuitable for sabre to sabre action, especially against the French equivalent, a beautifully balanced weapon, which was so functional that it was still used by the French cavalry in 1918, while a copy was used by the Prussians in the war of 1870.

1973, Ugo Pericoli, 1815: the armies at Waterloo, page 78

She took a ray of light from the moon, the lamp which stands on her adorning table, and fashioned it into a bright dagger. She hilted it with the turquoise of the morning sky, with some of the stars in it for better grip, and gave it to Gulsera, whispering in her ear.

1978, Martin Louis Alan Gompertz, Adventures in Sakaeland, page 68

Reconstructions of Type A and Type B swords weigh less than 500g, even when hilted.

2011, Dan Howard, Bronze Age Military Equipment, page 38

By 1810 Clark and Rogers were New Orleans silversmiths, but this study has not revealed any products that they hilted.

2015, Daniel D. Hartzler, American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords

his fingers hilted inside

2015, Kitsune‎, page 41

He hilted himself inside her.

2017, Hot Wife's Secret Sex Life‎, page 25