n. & v.
n. a small hammer used by an auctioneer, or for calling a meeting to order.
v. (gavelled, gavelling; US gaveled, gaveling) 1 intr. use a gavel. 2 tr. (often foll. by down) end (a meeting) or dismiss (a speaker) by use of a gavel.
[ 19th c.: orig. unkn. ]