ferule

¹

[ fer-uhl, -ool ]

noun

1. Also a rod, cane, or flat piece of wood for punishing children, especially by striking them on the hand.

verb (used with object)

, fer·uled, fer·ul·ing.

1. to punish with a ferule.

ferule

²

[ fer-uhl, -ool ]

noun

, fer·uled, fer·ul·ing.

1. ferrule.

ferule

¹

/ -rəl; ˈfɛruːl /

noun

1. a flat piece of wood, such as a ruler, used in some schools to cane children on the hand

verb

1. rare.
   tr to punish with a ferule

ferule

²

/ ˈfɛruːl; -rəl /

noun

1. See ferrule
   a variant spelling of ferrule

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferule¹

1375–1425; late Middle English ferula, ferul ( e ) giant fennel < Latin ferula schoolmaster's rod (literally, stalk of giant fennel); replacing Old English ferele < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferule¹

C16: from Latin ferula giant fennel, whip, rod; the stalk of the plant was used for punishment

Example Sentences

Perhaps we may think the ferule well deserved when we read of the schoolboy's trick immortalized by Persius.

From Project Gutenberg

And from the rod or ferule I would have them free, as from the menace of them; for it is both deformed and servile.

From Project Gutenberg

The master looks at his great silver watch, and then, with tiresome deliberation, puts the ferule into his desk.

From Project Gutenberg

The machine resembled a green gingham circus tent, and it was crowned with a ferule as large as a barrel.

From Project Gutenberg

People said the steel ferule of the umbrella had attracted the electric current.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• nightstick
• truncheon