ferrule

noun

fer·rule ˈfer-əl

ˈfe-rəl

: a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (such as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting

: a usually metal sleeve used especially for joining or binding one part to another (such as pipe sections or the bristles and handle of a brush)

ferruled

ˈfer-əld

ˈfe-rəld

adjective

Did you know?

Ferrule is a word for a simple metal band or cap of great versatility. The ferrule is ubiquitous. It is the cap at the end of a cane or crutch, a chair or table leg; it is the point or knob at the hub of an umbrella; it fits together tubes and pipes and binds paintbrush handles to bristles and pencils to erasers. In Middle English this universal thingamajig was called a verrel. That word commonly referred to the strengthening bands or rings of iron used to prevent the splitting or wear of the wooden shafts of implements. The name evolved from Middle French virelle and Old French virol and ultimately from Latin viriola, meaning "small bracelet." The "f" spelling of today's ferrule was influenced by ferrum, the Latin word for "iron."

Examples of ferrule in a Sentence

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What’s more, with the invention and wide distribution of a small metal device called the ferrule, art was able to bend to the Impressionists’ wishes. —Nick Mafi, Architectural Digest, 27 Sep. 2024 Before the ferrule, crafting paintbrushes was a time-consuming and expensive operation involving the binding of hog, pig, boar, and horse hair to a wood handle. —Nick Mafi, Architectural Digest, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English virole, from Anglo-French, from Latin viriola, diminutive of viria bracelet, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish fiar oblique

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of ferrule was in 1611

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