maul

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to attack and injure someone or something severely by beating, scratching, or tearing

   The bear mauled the unattended pack but did not reach the hikers.

2. 2
   verb

   to handle, defeat, or criticize someone or something very roughly

   Critics mauled the poorly researched biography.

3. 3
   noun

   a heavy, long-handled hammer used for splitting wood or driving stakes and wedges

   He raised the maul and split the log with one blow.

Simplified etymology

Maul entered English in the Middle English period and ultimately derives from Latin malleus ‘hammer’. It shares this origin with mallet, malleable, and the name of the mallet game that gave rise to mall.

The noun comes through Middle English malle and Old French mail from Latin malleus ('hammer'). The verb first meant to strike with such a heavy tool and broadened to severe physical injury, rough handling, or a crushing verbal attack.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary