gavel
Use Gavel in a sentence
Ads
The Gavel Factory www.gavelfactory.com/ Gavels & Presentation Sets. Plaques, Desk Accessories & Awards.
Gavels from $9.95 www.trophiesrm.com/Gavels Great Selection. Same Day Shipping on Quality Gavels, Free Engraving!
əl 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)
4.
to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).
5.
a.
to request or maintain (order at a meeting) by striking a gavel.
b.
to begin or put into effect (a legislative session, motion, etc.) by striking a gavel.
00:10
Gavel
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is subtilize. Does it mean:
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
| to run away hurriedly; flee. |
Origin:
1795–1805, Americanism; origin uncertain
1795–1805, Americanism; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
noun
feudal rent or tribute.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To gavel
Collins
World English Dictionary
gavel (ˈɡævəl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 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 |
| [C19: of unknown origin] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
gavel
"small mallet used by presiding officers at meetings," 1805, Amer.Eng., of unknown origin; perhaps connected with Ger. dial. gaffel "brotherhood, friendly society," from M.H.G. gaffel "society, guild," related to O.E. gafol "tribute," giefan "to give" (see habit). But in some
sources gavel also is identified as a type of mason's tool, in which case the extended meaning may be via freemasonry.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Since then, the gavel has fallen on apartments of every type in buildings new and old.
Consensus was held not to require unanimity, and down came the gavel.
The result is a display of art jewels that will be remembered long after the last bang of the gavel.
Our jobs can simply disappear with the crisp signature of a board member or the ringing gavel of a state legislature.
Nearby Words
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
