pommel

[ puhm-uhl, pom- ]

noun

1. a knob, as on the hilt of a sword.
2. the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle.
3. Architecture. a spherical ornament or finial.
4. Gymnastics. either of the two curved handles on the top surface of a side horse.

verb (used with object)

, pom·meled, pom·mel·ing or (especially British) pom·melled, pom·mel·ling.

1. to beat or strike with or as if with the fists or a pommel.

pommel

/ ˈpɒm-; ˈpʌməl /

noun

1. the raised part on the front of a saddle
2. a knob at the top of a sword or similar weapon

verb

1. a less common word for pummel

Word History and Origins

Origin of pommel¹

1300–50; (noun) Middle English pomel < Middle French, derivative of Old French pom hilt of a sword < Latin pōmum fruit; pome, -elle

Word History and Origins

Origin of pommel¹

C14: from Old French pomel knob, from Vulgar Latin pōmellum (unattested) little apple, from Latin pōmum apple

Example Sentences

A fixed-blade knife’s strength is determined by how much of the blade stock continues through to the pommel undiminished.

From Outside Online

Sheaths that position a knife’s pommel higher than your belt line cause that pommel to dig into your side or back as you move, which may result in injury should you fall.

From Outside Online

Letting the rifle drop and swing from the pommel, he met the charge of two grinning and scowling lancers.

From Project Gutenberg

From the pommel of his saddle hung a Venetian casque, which he had doffed for a turban, a more comfortable head-gear on the route.

From Project Gutenberg

"Miss Van Diemen, it shall all turn out well," he said, striking his fist on the pommel of his saddle.

From Project Gutenberg

The weary lady had no response ready for words of cheer; she leaned heavily over the pommel of her saddle and rode on in silence.

From Project Gutenberg

The dogs were stopped and the deer thrown over the pommel of one of the boys, and we rode on to try the Brunswick swamp.

From Project Gutenberg