Crossword clues for ferule
ferule
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ferrule \Fer"rule\ (f[e^]r"r[i^]l or f[e^]r"r[.u]l; 277), n. [Formerly verrel, F. virole, fr. L. viriola little bracelet, dim. of viriae, pl., bracelets; prob. akin to viere to twist, weave, and E. withe. The spelling with f is due to confusion with L. ferrum iron.] [Sometimes spelled ferule.]
A ring or cap of metal put round a cane, tool, handle, or other similar object, to strengthen it, or prevent splitting and wearing.
(Machinery) Any of various circular or cylindrical metal objects used at joints in a tube, pipe, or rod, especially to assist making a tight seal at a joint.
Hence: (Steam Boilers) A bushing for expanding the end of a flue to fasten it tightly in the tube plate, or for partly filling up its mouth.
Hence: (Chemistry) A bushing used at the joints of metal tubing in HPLC equipment to make a tight seal.
(Fishing) One of several small rings at the top of a casting rod which holds the fishing line.
--RHUD
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"rod or flat piece of wood for punishing children," 1590s, earlier "giant fennel" (early 15c.), from Middle English ferula "fennel plant" (late 14c.), from Latin ferula "reed, whip, rod, staff; fennel plant or stalk" (fennel stalks were used for administering flogging punishment in ancient Roman times) probably related to festuca "stalk, straw, rod."
Wiktionary
n. A ruler-shaped instrument, generally used to slap naughty children on the hand. vb. (context transitive English) To punish with a ferule.
WordNet
n. a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children
Usage examples of "ferule".
I have constantly met with fools who would boast of the days of pensums, ferules, and crusts of dry bread.
Come, come, you old Smut, there, bear a hand, and let's have that ferule and buckle-screw.