ferule

noun

fer·​ule ˈfer-əl How to pronounce ferule (audio)
ˈfe-rəl
variants or less commonly ferula
ˈfer-(y)ə-lə How to pronounce ferule (audio)
1
: an instrument (such as a flat piece of wood like a ruler) used to punish children
2
: school discipline

Word History

Etymology

Latin ferula giant fennel, ferule

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferule was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near ferule

ferula

ferule

ferulic acid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ferule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferule. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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