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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The image depicted a protester lying on the ground holding a blood-spattered placard while a judge, in a wig and gown, looms over him, wielding a gavel.

From BBC

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

Rather than give in, Self banged his gavel and ended the hearing.

From Salon

Constitutional lawyer and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson pretty much turned over his gavel to Elon Musk and his teenage Dogeboys:

From Salon