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View synonyms for gavel

gavel

1

[ gav-uhl ]

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 2.


verb (used with object)

  1. to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).
  2. (of a presiding officer)
    1. to request or maintain (order at a meeting) by striking a gavel.
    2. to begin or put into effect (a legislative session, motion, etc.) by striking a gavel.

gavel

2

[ gav-uhl ]

noun

  1. feudal rent or tribute.

gavel

/ ˈɡævəl /

noun

  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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of gavel1

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; origin uncertain

Origin of gavel2

before 900; Middle English govel, Old English gafol, akin to giefan to give; gabelle

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gavel1

C19: of unknown origin

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Example Sentences

One advantage of Inhofe taking the gavel is that he might have to start playing defense.

Or maybe show a photo of Ted Cruz holding a gavel chairing a subcommittee.

Cruz giving a speech in Senate chamber while licking a gavel à la Miley?

After the gavel, comes the chiming of wedding bells …and the ringing of cash registers.

They'd gavel in for a few moments once every couple of days, and then gavel out again.

A murmur ran through the court-room, quickly hushed by the insistent gavel.

He seized the gavel and began pounding vigorously and the man with the weak voice never again caught his eye.

His right hand rested on his gavel, he thrust his left into the side pocket of his long alpaca coat.

When they had all seated themselves at a large oval table, Harkaman drew his pistol and used the butt for a gavel.

"A burnt match," said the inspector, just as the clock struck five and the constable's gavel sounded a prelude to adjournment.

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