Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Hilt \Hilt\, n. [AS. hilt, hilte; akin to OHG. helza, Prov. G.
   hilze, Icel. hjalt.]
   1. A handle; especially, the handle of a sword, dagger, or
      the like.

Source : WordNet®

hilt
     n : the handle of a sword or dagger