[gav-uh
l] 
| 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. |
| 4. | to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.). |
| 5. | (of a presiding officer)
|
[gav-uhl] | feudal rent or tribute. |
| gav·el 1 (gāv'əl) n.
To bring about or compel by using a gavel: "The chairman . . . tries to gavel the demonstration to an end" (New Yorker). [Origin unknown.] |
| gav·el 2 (gāv'əl) n. Tribute or rent in ancient and medieval England. [Middle English, from Old English gafol; see ghabh- in Indo-European roots.] |