gavel

¹

[gav-uhl]

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.

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

[gav-uhl]

noun

1. feudal rent or tribute.

gavel

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gavel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Origin of gavel²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gavel¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

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

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

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Support for the filibuster has rarely been about principle—it has always depended on who holds the gavels.

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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.

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

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