Pommels is a noun that refers to the decorative knob on the handle of a weapon or tool, usually a sword or dagger. The word is spelled with a double letter "m" to indicate a short vowel sound in the second syllable, pronounced as /əlz/. The first syllable is also pronounced with a short vowel sound, indicated by the letter "o," pronounced as /pɒm/. Pommels can be made of various materials such as wood, ivory, bone, or metal and can add both functional and aesthetic value to a weapon.
Pommels, as a noun, can refer to the plural form of the word "pommel," which has a variety of meanings depending on the context. As a verb, "pommels" is the third-person singular form of the verb "pommel."
As a noun, a pommel can refer to the rounded, often decorated, upward projection on the handle of a sword or the handle of a tool or weapon, designed to provide a secure grip and prevent slippage. In this sense, a pommel is typically made of a durable material such as metal or wood.
Alternatively, in equestrian terms, the word "pommel" can also refer to the raised part in the front of a saddle, usually seen in traditional English-style saddles. The pommel serves to provide additional support and stability for the rider.
When used as a verb, "pommels" refers to the action of repeatedly striking or beating something, usually with force. In this sense, it implies aggressive and forceful actions, often associated with physical attacks.
Overall, the word "pommels" encompasses a range of meanings, from the ornamental grip on a sword or tool handle to the raised part on a saddle or the act of striking something forcefully.
The word "pommels" has an English origin and its etymology can be traced back to the Middle English word "pommel", which came from the Old French word "pomel". The Old French term referred to a small round ball or knob, often seen as a decorative or functional detail on the hilt of a sword or the end of a saddle. This Old French word ultimately descended from the Latin word "pomellus", meaning "small apple". The association with the shape of an apple or spherical object led to the use of "pommel" to describe similar rounded features on various objects, including certain parts of horse saddles or handles of hand weapons. Over time, the term "pommels" came to refer to the plural form of "pommel" and is commonly used to describe the rounded, often ornamental, protrusions found on the grip or hilt of certain weapons.