gavel

1
[ gav-uhl ]
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noun
  1. a small mallet used by the presiding officer of a meeting, a judge, etc., usually to signal for attention or order.

  2. a similar mallet used by an auctioneer to indicate acceptance of the final bid.

  1. Masonry. kevel2.

verb (used with object)
  1. to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).

  2. (of a presiding officer)

    • to request or maintain (order at a meeting) by striking a gavel.

    • to begin or put into effect (a legislative session, motion, etc.) by striking a gavel.

Origin of gavel

1
An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Words that may be confused with gavel

Words Nearby gavel

Other definitions for gavel (2 of 2)

gavel2
[ gav-uhl ]

noun
  1. feudal rent or tribute.

Origin of gavel

2
before 900; Middle English govel,Old English gafol, akin to giefan to give; cf. gabelle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use gavel in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gavel

gavel

/ (ˈɡævəl) /


noun
  1. a small hammer used by a chairman, auctioneer, etc, to call for order or attention

  2. a hammer used by masons to trim rough edges off stones

Origin of gavel

1
C19: of unknown origin

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