ferule
pronunciation
How to pronounce ferule in British English:
UK ['feru:l]
How to pronounce ferule in American English:
US ['ferəl]
-
- Noun:
- a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children
Word Origin
- ferule (n.)
- "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."
Example
- 1. The ferule is used for conversion , tonsure , ordination and parlance .
- 2. The teacher strikes the table with his ferule to quiet the students .
- 3. Thomas sawyer , this is the most astounding confession I have ever listened to . No mere ferule will answer for this offence . Take off your jacket .