Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Gavel

Gavel (gav"el) , noun

A gable. [Provincial English] — Halliwell

Gavel , noun

[Old French gavelle, French javelle, prob. dim. from Latin capulus handle, from capere to lay hold of, seize; or compare Welsh gafael hold, grasp. Compare Heave.]

A small heap of grain, not tied up into a bundle. — Wright

Gavel , noun

[Etymol. uncertain.]

1.
The mallet of the presiding officer in a legislative body, public assembly, court, masonic body, etc.
2.
A mason's setting maul. — Knight

Gavel , noun

[Old French gavel, Anglo-Saxon gafol, prob. from gifan to give. See Give, and compare Gabel tribute.]

(Law) Tribute; toll; custom. [Obs.] See Gabel. — Cowell