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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gavel¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

If the person sitting atop the Senate and wielding the gavel says no, then they can start operating another way.

From Time

If any other Senator objects, the person with the gavel can put it to a floor vote, and if 50 votes plus the VP agree with the change, it’s game-on for a bare majority to run the floor.

From Time

Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican who represents North County, is next up in the rotation, but he’s not likely to get the gavel.

From Voice of San Diego

Despite serving 24 years in the Senate, Durbin is just now hitting the right seniority to be in line for a full committee gavel.

From Washington Post

When I beat Thom Tillis, with y’alls help and support, this will be the seat that takes the gavel out of Mitch McConnell’s hands.

From Washington Post

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg