gavel
1[ gav-uhl ]
/ ˈgæv əl /
noun
a small mallet used by the presiding officer of a meeting, a judge, etc., usually to signal for attention or order.
a similar mallet used by an auctioneer to indicate acceptance of the final bid.
Masonry. kevel2.
verb (used with object)
to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).
(of a presiding officer)
- to request or maintain (order at a meeting) by striking a gavel.
- to begin or put into effect (a legislative session, motion, etc.) by striking a gavel.
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Origin of gavel
1An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; origin uncertain
Words nearby gavel
gavage, Gavard's muscle, Gavarnie, Gavaskar, gave, gavel, gavelkind, gavel-to-gavel, gavial, Gavin, Gävle
Definition for gavel (2 of 2)
gavel2
[ gav-uhl ]
/ ˈgæv əl /
noun
feudal rent or tribute.
Origin of gavel
2Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for gavel
British Dictionary definitions for gavel
gavel
/ (ˈɡævəl) /
noun
a small hammer used by a chairman, auctioneer, etc, to call for order or attention
a hammer used by masons to trim rough edges off stones
Word Origin for gavel
C19: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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