ferule

Meaning

Noun

A ruler-shaped instrument, generally used to slap naughty children on the hand.

Verb

To punish with a ferule.

Synonyms

cane

stick

wand

switch

drub

bar

twig

staff

discipline

flog

ingot

lambaste

lash

lick

perch

pointer

pole

rail

rod

rule

ruler

scourge

shaft

shellac

spank

trounce

truncheon

verge

walking stick

wattle

whip

whop

withe

bandy

punish with the ferule

baton

beat

big stick

blackjack

churn

cosh

crook

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈfɛɹuːl/

Etymology

Cognate with French: férule

In summary

From Middle French ferule (modern French férule), from Latin ferula (“giant fennel”). Doublet of ferula.