I believe that Clay and Marilyn have answered my question, and here is the entry as I will insert it in the next dictionary:

"Hoes and stocks: farm tools, meaning hoes and the removable or replaceable handles for such, e.g., "Clay and Marilyn both explained that the "stocks" listed in the 1863 Alabama inventory of John A. J. Whitehurst that included '1 chest tools, 1 Broad Axe, 1 set Plows, Hoes & stocks, 1 set irons' were handles for the hoes."

Anyone have any suggestions for additional genealogical and historical terms that need definition ????   Thanks to all who responded.

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