/pum"euhl, pom"-/ , n. , v. , pommeled, pommeling or ( esp. Brit. ) pommelled, pommelling .
n.
1. a knob, as on the hilt of a sword.
2. the protuberant part at the front and top of a saddle. See illus. under saddle .
3. Archit. a spherical ornament or finial.
4. Gymnastics. either of the two curved handles on the top surface of a side horse.
v.t.
5. to beat or strike with or as if with the fists or a pommel.
Also, pummel .
[ 1300-50; (n.) ME pomel pom hilt of a sword pomum fruit; see POME, -ELLE ]