Main Entry: fer·rule

Pronunciation: \ˈfer-əl, ˈfe-rəl\

Function: noun

Etymology: alteration of Middle English virole, from Anglo-French, from Latin viriola, diminutive of viria bracelet, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish fiar oblique

Date: 1611

1 : a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting
2 : a usually metal sleeve used especially for joining or binding one part to another (as pipe sections or the bristles and handle of a brush)

— fer·ruled adjective