pommel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a handgrip that a gymnast uses when performing exercises on a pommel horse
  2. noun handgrip formed by the raised front part of a saddle
    saddlebow.
  3. noun an ornament in the shape of a ball on the hilt of a sword or dagger
    knob.
  4. verb strike, usually with the fist
    biff; pummel.
    • The pedestrians pummeled the demonstrators

WordNet

Pom"mel noun
Etymology
OE. pomel, OF. pomel, F. pommeau, LL. pomellus, fr. L. pomum fruit, LL. also, an apple. See Pome.
Definitions
  1. A knob or ball; an object resembling a ball in form; as: (a) The knob on the hilt of a sword. Macaulay. (b) The knob or protuberant part of a saddlebow. (c) The top (of the head). Chaucer. (d) A knob forming the finial of a turret or pavilion.
Pom"mel transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Pommeled or Pommelled; present participle & verbal noun Pommeling or Pommelling
Definitions
  1. To beat soundly, as with the pommel of a sword, or with something knoblike; hence, to beat with the fists. Written also pummel.

Webster 1913