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kevel

1 American  
[kev-uhl] / ˈkɛv əl /

noun

Nautical.
  1. a sturdy bit, bollard, etc., on which the heavier hawsers of a ship may be secured.


kevel 2 American  
[kev-uhl] / ˈkɛv əl /

noun

  1. a hammer for the rough dressing of stone, having one square face and one pyramidal face.


kevel British  
/ ˈkɛvəl /

noun

  1. nautical a strong bitt or bollard for securing heavy hawsers

  2. building trades a hammer having an edged end and a pointed end, used for breaking and rough-shaping stone

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of kevel1

1225–75; Middle English kevile < Anglo-French ≪ Latin clāvicula little key ( clāvi ( s ) key + -cula -cule 1 ); doublet of clavicle

Origin of kevel2

1325–75; Middle English kevell, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To make fast, as a rope, by taking several turns with it round a pin, cleat, or kevel.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not think it would have been very polite, Mr. Kevel, to mention it before--but the patient's hearing is a good deal impaired.

From Project Gutenberg

Ha, ha! guidmen, and true guidmen, and true!" cried the beggar, undaunted and laughing; "thank ye, my hinny, Lilly, for this green kevel!

From Project Gutenberg

The beggar was moving to the right and to the left with great rapidity; brandishing his huge kevel, and whispering something into the ears of his friends.

From Project Gutenberg

To pass a rope once or twice round a cleat, pin, kevel, or any other thing, to keep it fast.

From Project Gutenberg