View synonyms for awl

awl

[ awl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a pointed instrument for piercing small holes in leather, wood, etc.

A.W.L.

or a.w.l.

abbreviation for

absent with leave.

awl

/ ɔːl /

noun

See bradawl
a pointed hand tool with a fluted blade used for piercing wood, leather, etc See also bradawl

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Word History and Origins

Origin of awl¹

before 900; Middle English al, eal, aul, Old English al, eal, æl; cognate with Old Norse alr; akin to Middle English ēl, Old English ǣl, Old High German āla ( German Ahle ), Sanskrit ā́rā

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Word History and Origins

Origin of awl¹

Old English ǣl; related to Old Norse alr, Old High German āla, Dutch aal, Sanskrit ārā

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