Gavel \Gav"el\ (g[a^]v"[e^]l), n. A gable. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]
Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [OF. gavelle, F. javelle, prob. dim. from L. capulus handle, fr. capere to lay hold of, seize; or cf. W. gafael hold, grasp. Cf. {Heave}.] A small heap of grain, not tied up into a bundle. --Wright. [1913 Webster]
Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] 1. The mallet of the presiding officer in a legislative body, public assembly, court, masonic body, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A mason's setting maul. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [OF. gavel, AS. gafol, prob. fr. gifan to give. See {Give}, and cf. {Gabel} tribute.] (Law) Tribute; toll; custom. [Obs.] See {Gabel}. --Cowell. [1913 Webster]
GAVEL. A tax, imposition or tribute; the same as gabel. (q. v.)