I. ˈmalə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English maillet, from Middle French, from Old French, from mail maul, mallet + -et — more at maul
: a hammer that has a cylindrical typically barrel-shaped head of wood or of other soft material: as
a. : a tool with a large head for driving another tool (as a chisel) or for striking a surface without marring it
b.
(1) : an implement with a long handle and large head used in the game of croquet for striking the ball
(2) : an implement with a very long narrow handle and a rather narrow tapering light head used in the game of polo for striking the ball
c. : a light hammer with a small head used in playing a vibraphone or similar percussion instrument
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to strike with or as if with a mallet
end of flat portion of cleat shall be folded back over nailheads and malleted flat — Sweet's Catalog Service
III. noun
also mallet bark or mallet wood
( -s )
Etymology: mallet native name in Western Australia
1. : any of several Australian gum trees of the genus Eucalyptus especially when rich in tannin
2. : california laurel