maul

Meaning

Noun

1. A heavy long-handled hammer, used for splitting logs by driving a wedge into them, or in combat.
2. A situation where the player carrying the ball, who must be on his feet, is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's team mates bind onto the ball carrier.

Verb

1. To handle someone or something in a rough way.
2. To savage; to cause serious physical wounds (usually used of an animal).
3. To criticise harshly.
4. To beat with a maul.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/mɔːl/

Etymology

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