gavel

¹ American  

[gav-uhl] / ˈgæv əl /

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.

3. Masonry. kevel.

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verb (used with object)

1. to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).

2. (of a presiding officer)

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

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

gavel ² American  

[gav-uhl] / ˈgæv əl /

noun

1. feudal rent or tribute.

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gavel British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of gavel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Origin of gavel¹

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

Example Sentences

He always uses a wooden gavel, now chipped, that his father gave him roughly 25 years ago before he died.

From The Wall Street Journal

When auctioneer Oliver Barker slammed down the gavel, collectors and dealers in the saleroom erupted in applause.

From The Wall Street Journal

The landmark legal reference book he edits, Black’s Law Dictionary, is as much a fixture of American courts as black robes, rosewood gavels and brass scales of justice.

From Los Angeles Times

Johnson banged on the gavel, demanding order as the commotion continued.

From Los Angeles Times

These should have been safely in Scotland's archives, not being offloaded to the highest bidder via a bang of the auctioneer's gavel.

From BBC