gavel 1
/gav"euhl/ , n.
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.
v.t.
4. to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.).
5. (of a presiding officer)
a. to request or maintain (order at a meeting) by striking a gavel.
b. to begin or put into effect (a legislative session, motion, etc.) by striking a gavel.
[ 1795-1805, Amer.; orig. uncert. ]
gavel 2
/gav"euhl/ , n.
feudal rent or tribute.
[ bef. 900; ME govel, OE gafol, akin to giefan to give; cf. GABELLE ]