How Do You Spell GAVELOCK?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈe͡ɪvlɒk] (IPA)

Gavelock is a word referring to a large key used for opening gates and doors. The spelling of gavelock can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "gav," is pronounced with a voiced velar plosive /ɡ/ followed by a front unrounded vowel /æ/. The second syllable, "el," is pronounced with a front unrounded vowel /ɛ/ followed by a lateral approximant /l/. The final syllable, "ock," is pronounced with an unrounded back vowel /ɒ/ followed by a voiceless velar plosive /k/. Together, this results in the pronunciation of /ˈɡæv.ɛl.ɒk/.

GAVELOCK Meaning and Definition

1. "Gavelock" is a noun that refers to a large, heavy hammer or mallet primarily used for driving or extracting stakes or wedges. It is commonly employed by blacksmiths, carpenters, stone masons, and other tradespeople involved in heavy-duty construction work. The term "gavelock" is derived from Old English and has its roots in "gafol," meaning a payment or tribute.

   The gavelock typically features a solid, cylindrical head made of iron or steel, usually around 4-6 pounds in weight, mounted on a short handle made of wood or metal. Its purpose is to deliver powerful and controlled blows to drive objects into the ground or to loosen them by striking them from different angles. The head is often shaped with a flat or slightly convex face to ensure a broad contact surface and increased impact force.

   Beyond its practical uses in various industries, the gavelock has taken on symbolic importance in certain cultural or social scenarios. For instance, it serves as the traditional tool used by presiding officers, such as judges or auctioneers, to attract attention or signify the opening or closure of a session or meeting. In these contexts, the gavelock carries connotations of authority, order, and power.

   In summary, the dictionary definition of "gavelock" encompasses a heavy hammer or mallet utilized for driving or removing stakes and wedges in construction work, as well as a symbolic instrument used by individuals in positions of authority or for ceremonial purposes.

Common Misspellings for GAVELOCK

• favelock
• vavelock
• tavelock
• gzvelock
• gsvelock
• gwvelock
• gqvelock
• gacelock
• gabelock
• gagelock
• gafelock
• gavwlock
• gavslock
• gavdlock
• gavrlock
• gav4lock
• gav3lock
• gavekock
• gavepock

Etymology of GAVELOCK

The word "gavelock" is of Old Norse origin. It combines the words "gafli" (meaning "fork") and "lokkr" (meaning "lock" or "fastening"). In Old Norse, it referred to a tool or instrument with two jaws used for gripping and holding objects. Over time, the word evolved and came to denote a large hammer, particularly one used as a weapon. In modern usage, "gavelock" mainly refers to a blacksmith's sledgehammer.

Plural form of GAVELOCK is GAVELOCKS