ferrule

or fer·ule

[ fer-uhl, -ool ]

noun

1. a ring or cap, usually of metal, put around the end of a post, cane, or the like, to prevent splitting.
2. a short metal sleeve for strengthening a tool handle at the end holding the tool.
3. a bushing or adapter holding the end of a tube and inserted into a hole in a plate in order to make a tight fit, used in boilers, condensers, etc.
4. a short ring for reinforcing or decreasing the interior diameter of the end of a tube.
5. a short plumbing fitting, covered at its outer end and caulked or otherwise fixed to a branch from a pipe so that it can be removed to give access to the interior of the pipe.
6. Angling.
   1. either of two fittings on the end of a section of a sectional fishing rod, one fitting serving as a plug and the other as a socket for fastening the sections together.
   2. one of two or more small rings spaced along the top of a casting rod to hold and guide the line.

verb (used with object)

, fer·ruled, fer·rul·ing.

1. to furnish with a ferrule.

ferrule

/ ˈfɛruːl; -rəl /

noun

1. a metal ring, tube, or cap placed over the end of a stick, handle, or post for added strength or stability or to increase wear
2. a side opening in a pipe that gives access for inspection or cleaning
3. a bush, gland, small length of tube, etc, esp one used for making a joint

verb

1. tr to equip (a stick, etc) with a ferrule

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferrule¹

1605–15; alteration (apparently conformed to Latin ferrum iron, -ule ) of verrel, verril, late Middle English virole < Middle French (cognate with Medieval Latin virola ) < Latin viriola, equivalent to viri ( a ) bracelet + -ola -ole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferrule¹

C17: from Middle English virole , from Old French virol , from Latin viriola a little bracelet, from viria bracelet; influenced by Latin ferrum iron

Example Sentences

The mayorʼs symbol of office is a cane with a silver knob, plated ferrule, and black cord and tassels.

From Project Gutenberg

If only a short piece of pipe is available, it can be used as a ferrule and a handle made of wire or wood.

From Project Gutenberg

All hooks but the one in use are turned back into the handle and the ferrule slipped into place.

From Project Gutenberg

As the mandrel with the ferrule passed through the tin, the metal was shaped exactly to the mandrel.

From Project Gutenberg

The shillelagh was then a beautiful, tough, formidable weapon, and when tipped with an iron ferrule was quite ready for action.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bar
• bat
• baton
• cane
• club
• rod
• slab
• stalk
• strip
• wand
• wedge