Awl, n.

n. [A-S. æl, al, Icel. alr, O. H. Ger. ala, N. H. Ger. ahle, Lith. yla, Fr. ail, sting, weapon.] A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinet-makers, &c. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad-awl, saddler’s-awl, shoemaker’s-awl, &c.