What is "to take up the hatchet"

Hatchet \Hatch"et\ (-[e^]t), n. [F. hachette, dim. of hache ax. See 1st Hatch, Hash.]

1. A small ax with a short handle, to be used with one hand.

2. Specifically, a tomahawk.

   Buried was the bloody hatchet.
   --Longfellow.

   hatchet face, a thin, sharp face, like the edge of a hatchet; hence:

   hatchet-faced, sharp-visaged.
   --Dryden.

   To bury the hatchet, to make peace or become reconciled.

   To take up the hatchet, to make or declare war. The last two phrases are derived from the practice of the American Indians.