[syn: pummel, pommel, biff]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Pommel \Pom"mel\, n. [OE. pomel, OF. pomel, F. pommeau, LL.
pomellus, fr. L. pomum fruit, LL. also, an apple. See
Pome.]
A knob or ball; an object resembling a ball in form; as:
(a) The knob on the hilt of a sword. --Macaulay.
(b) The knob or protuberant part of a saddlebow.
(c) The top (of the head). --Chaucer.
(d) A knob forming the finial of a turret or pavilion.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Pommel \Pom"mel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pommeledor Pommelled;
p. pr. & vb. n. Pommeling or Pommelling.]
To beat soundly, as with the pommel of a sword, or with
something knoblike; hence, to beat with the fists. [Written
also pummel.]
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
pommel
n 1: a handgrip that a gymnast uses when performing exercises on
a pommel horse
2: handgrip formed by the raised front part of a saddle [syn:
pommel, saddlebow]
3: an ornament in the shape of a ball on the hilt of a sword or
dagger [syn: knob, pommel]
v 1: strike, usually with the fist; "The pedestrians pummeled
the demonstrators" [syn: pummel, pommel, biff]