Gavel

n. [O. Fr. gavelle, N. Fr. javelle, javeau, Pr. guavella, Pg. gavela, Sp. gavilla, diminutive from Lat. capulus, handle, capere, to lay hold of, seize. Cf. W. gafael, a hold, grasp.] 1. A small heap of wheat, rye, or other grain, not tied up. Their corn lies on the gavel heap. Chapman.

2. A gable. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
3. The mallet of a chairman in a legislative body or public assembly.