Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - gavel

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gafol; akin to Old English giefan to give  Date: before 12th century rent or tribute in medieval England  II. noun  Etymology: origin unknown  Date: 1835 a mallet used (as by a presiding officer or auctioneer) for commanding attention or confirming an action (as a vote or sale)  III. transitive verb  (-eled or -elled; -eling or ~ling)  Date: 1925 to bring or force by use of a ~ ~ed the audience to silence