kevel

¹

[ kev-uhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a sturdy bit, bollard, etc., on which the heavier hawsers of a ship may be secured.

kevel

²

[ kev-uhl ]

noun

1. a hammer for the rough dressing of stone, having one square face and one pyramidal face.

kevel

/ ˈkɛvəl /

noun

1. nautical a strong bitt or bollard for securing heavy hawsers
2. building trades a hammer having an edged end and a pointed end, used for breaking and rough-shaping stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of kevel¹

1225–75; Middle English kevile < Anglo-French ≪ Latin clāvicula little key ( clāvi ( s ) key + -cula -cule ¹ ); doublet of clavicle

Origin of kevel²

1325–75; Middle English kevell, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of kevel¹

C14: from Old Northern French keville, from Latin clāvicula a little key, from clāvis key

Example Sentences

To make fast, as a rope, by taking several turns with it round a pin, cleat, or kevel.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not think it would have been very polite, Mr. Kevel, to mention it before--but the patient's hearing is a good deal impaired.

From Project Gutenberg

I wad hae gien a' the bodles the prelates threw me—the mair by token, I think, that the puir callant was writhing in the fire-flaughts o' their anger—for ae stroke wi' this kevel at the head o' yon culroun caitiff o' an executioner.

From Project Gutenberg

Ha, ha! guidmen, and true guidmen, and true!" cried the beggar, undaunted and laughing; "thank ye, my hinny, Lilly, for this green kevel!

From Project Gutenberg

The beggar was moving to the right and to the left with great rapidity; brandishing his huge kevel, and whispering something into the ears of his friends.

From Project Gutenberg