ferule

¹ American  

[fer-uhl, -ool] / ˈfɛr əl, -ul /

noun

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

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verb (used with object)

feruled, feruling

1. to punish with a ferule.

ferule ² American  

[fer-uhl, -ool] / ˈfɛr əl, -ul /

noun

feruled, feruling

1. ferrule.

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ferule ¹ British  

/ -rəl, ˈfɛruːl /

noun

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

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verb

1. rare (tr) to punish with a ferule

ferule ² British  

/ ˈfɛruːl, -rəl /

noun

1. a variant spelling of ferrule

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Etymology

Origin of ferule

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

Example Sentences

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

Then Miss Simmonds stuck her big umbrella ferule down in the turf, and took the big book from under her arm.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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