a. Obs. rare. [prob. ad. med.L. *ansāl-is two-handled, whence, used both ways, double. Cf. Cotgr., 1611 ‘un pot a deux anses, an equivocation, a word, etc. of double meaning.’] Cutting both ways, two-edged.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Cyrurg. The other [cultelere] is [called] Ansall bycause it is made in maner of a swerde cuttynge on both sydes. Ibid. Openynge made with a knyfe ansall to drawe out the rottennes.
