GAVEL

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gafol; akin to Old English giefan to give Date: before 12th century rent or tribute in medieval England, II. noun Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1835 a mallet used (as by a presiding officer or auctioneer) for commanding attention or confirming an action (as a vote or sale), III. transitive verb (-eled or -elled; -eling or ~ling) Date: 1925 to bring or force by use of a ~