pommel

American  

[puhm-uhl, pom-] / ˈpʌm əl, ˈpɒm- /

noun

1. a knob, as on the hilt of a sword.

2. the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle.

3. Architecture. a spherical ornament or finial.

4. Gymnastics. either of the two curved handles on the top surface of a side horse.

---

verb (used with object)

pommeled, pommeling, pommelled, pommelling

1. to beat or strike with or as if with the fists or a pommel.

pommel British  

/ ˈpɒm-, ˈpʌməl /

noun

1. the raised part on the front of a saddle

2. a knob at the top of a sword or similar weapon

---

verb

1. a less common word for pummel

Etymology

Origin of pommel

1300–50; (noun) Middle English pomel < Middle French, derivative of Old French pom hilt of a sword < Latin pōmum fruit; see pome, -elle

Explanation

A pommel is the rounded knob on a horse's saddle that a rider grips with one hand. The raised front of the saddle itself can also be called a pommel. Some saddles, particularly the modern western type, have a metal grip at the front, known either as a horn or a pommel. Other saddles don't have this knob, but instead have a raised front edge that's also called the pommel. When pommel is used as a verb, it means "beat or strike repeatedly," a variation on the word pummel. The Old French root is pomel, "rounded knob," from the Latin word pomum, or "apple."

Example Sentences

Nedoroscik brought his pommel horse skills to Thursday’s announcement, balancing on his hands on a mat as he swung his legs around his body — in dress pants, no less.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Nedoroscik secured his second bronze medal in the individual pommel horse final on Aug. 3.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

Once the glasses came off, the 25-year-old turned into a pommel machine, and delivered a nerveless performances in both the team and individual events.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2024

Rhys McClenaghan has completed gymnastics' 'Grand Slam' after winning pommel horse gold at the Paris Olympics with a stunning routine.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

“One should not be used as a pommel horse without fair warning. It’s simply good manners.”

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el