Webster's English Dictionary

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gavel

1. gav.el \'gav-*l\ n [ME, fr. OE gafol; akin to OE giefan to give] : rent 
   or tribute in ancient and medieval England 
2. gavel n [origin unknown] 1: a mason's setting maul  2: the mallet of a 
   presiding officer or auctioneer 
3. gavel \-(*-)lin\ vt or gav.eled or gav.elled;  or gav.el.ing;  or 
   gav.el.ling : to bring or force by use of a gavel