gavel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge

WordNet

Gav"el noun
Definitions
  1. A gable. Prov. Eng. Halliwell.
Gav"el noun
Etymology
OF. gavelle, F. javelle, prob. dim. from L. capulus handle, fr. capere to lay hold of, seize; or cf. W. gafael hold, grasp. Cf. Heave.
Definitions
  1. A small heap of grain, not tied up into a bundle. Wright.
Gav"el noun
Etymology
Etymol. uncertain.
Definitions
  1. The mallet of the presiding officer in a legislative body, public assembly, court, masonic body, etc.
  2. A mason's setting maul. Knight.
Gav"el noun
Etymology
OF. gavel, AS. gafol, prob. fr. gifan to give. See Give, and cf. Gabel tribute.
Definitions
  1. (Law) Tribute; toll; custom. Obs. See Gabel. Cowell.

Webster 1913