awl

¹

[awl]

noun

1. a pointed instrument for piercing small holes in leather, wood, etc.

A.W.L.

²

Or a.w.l.

abbreviation

1. absent with leave.

awl

/ ɔːl /

noun

1. a pointed hand tool with a fluted blade used for piercing wood, leather, etc See also bradawl

Word History and Origins

Origin of awl¹

before 900; Middle English al, eal, aul, Old English al, eal, æl; cognate with Old Norse alr; akin to Middle English ēl, Old English ǣl, Old High German āla ( German Ahle ), Sanskrit ā́rā

Word History and Origins

Origin of awl¹

Old English ǣl; related to Old Norse alr, Old High German āla, Dutch aal, Sanskrit ārā

Example Sentences

The real power rests in a tropical palace at Buitenzorg, outside Batavia, where lives His Excellency Jonkheer A.W.L.

From Time Magazine Archive