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.

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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.

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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

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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

See Examples For:

kevel

I crept out of the port into the chains and passed it round the lugger’s main-mast, as he told me, handing in the bight to him, which he belayed slack to the main-sheet kevel.

From Poor Jack by Marryat, Frederick

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

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 4 by Various

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 Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 4 by Various

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

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

Mr. O'Neill, acting master's mate, was very severely injured by a hawser to which the schooner was fastened in tow, slipping on a kevel.

From Reminiscences of Two Years in the United States Navy by Batten, John M. (John Mullin)