maul

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges
  2. verb split (wood) with a maul and wedges
  3. verb injure badly by beating

Etymology

From Middle English malle (“mace, maul”), from Anglo-Norman mail, from Old French mail, from Latin malleus (“hammer”). Doublet of malleus.

In classic literature

Synonyms

sledge, sledgehammer

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