First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1maul
noun \ˈmȯl\
Definition of MAUL
: a heavy often wooden-headed hammer used especially for driving wedges; also : a tool like a sledgehammer with one wedge-shaped end that is used to split wood
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Origin of MAUL
Middle English malle mace, maul, from Anglo-French mail, from Latin malleus; akin to Old Church Slavic mlatŭ hammer, Latin molere to grind — more at meal
2maul
verb
: to attack and injure (someone) in a way that cuts or tears skin : to attack (someone) and cause a bloody injury
: to touch or handle (someone) in a rough sexual way
Full Definition of MAUL
transitive verb
2
: mangle 1
3
: to handle roughly
— maul·er noun
See maul defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MAUL
13th century
Related to MAUL
- Synonyms
- maltreat, manhandle, mishandle, rough (up)
MAULING Defined for Kids
1maul
noun \ˈmȯl\
Definition of MAUL for Kids
1
: a heavy hammer used especially for driving wedges or posts
2
: a sledgehammer with one wedge-shaped end that is used to split wood
2maul
verb
mauledmaul·ing
Definition of MAUL for Kids
1
: to attack and injure by biting, cutting, or tearing flesh <Not wishing to be mauled by the dogs … Curly had remained outside the gate … — Carl Hiaasen, Hoot>
2
: to handle roughly
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