ferule

¹

[fer-uhl, -ool]

noun

1. Also a rod, cane, or flat piece of wood for punishing children, especially by striking them on the hand.

verb (used with object)

feruled, feruling 

1. to punish with a ferule.

ferule

²

[fer-uhl, -ool]

noun

feruled, feruling 

1. ferrule.

ferule

¹

/ -rəl, ˈfɛruːl /

noun

1. a flat piece of wood, such as a ruler, used in some schools to cane children on the hand

verb

1. rare,  (tr) to punish with a ferule

ferule

²

/ ˈfɛruːl, -rəl /

noun

1. a variant spelling of ferrule

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferule¹

1375–1425; late Middle English ferula, ferul ( e ) giant fennel < Latin ferula schoolmaster's rod (literally, stalk of giant fennel); replacing Old English ferele < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferule¹

C16: from Latin ferula giant fennel, whip, rod; the stalk of the plant was used for punishment

Example Sentences

Mr. Sharpe did not seem sensible that these hands he cut with the ferule were the same which, an hour later, bleeding, bandaged, arranged his frock-coats according to his order.

From Literature

Yen picked up his ferule and hit it like a student.

From Literature

A discipline of unlimited autocracy, upheld by rods, and ferules, and the black hole.

From Project Gutenberg

He believes in the gospel of ferule and whips, and has perfect faith in the efficacy of flogging in homes and schools.

From Project Gutenberg

As she ran she caught her thick parasol by the ferule and swung it aloft.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• berate 
• castigate 
• censure 
• flog 
• lash 
• punish 
• upbraid