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

And that day could unfold in very different ways depending on who has the gavel.

From Salon

If Johnson passes spending legislation with Democratic support, however, he will enrage the same hard-line conservatives who already wrenched the gavel away from Kevin McCarthy, the last speaker who disappointed them.

From Salon

He, or she, who wields the gavel calls the tune.

From Los Angeles Times

In so many ways this convention has been a split-screen experience, depending whether you tuned in gavel to gavel or watched just the hour or so the major TV networks aired in prime time.

From Los Angeles Times

Johnson, who counts on the support of Trump and the Freedom Caucus to keep his gavel in a closely-divided House, apparently gave in to their demands.

From Salon