Main Entry: mal·let

Pronunciation: \ˈma-lət\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English maillet, from Anglo-French, diminutive of mail hammer — more at maul

Date: 15th century

: a hammer with a typically barrel-shaped head: as a : a tool with a large head for driving another tool or for striking a surface without marring it b : a long-handled wooden implement used for striking a ball (as in polo or croquet) c : a light hammer with a small rounded or spherical usually padded head used in playing certain musical instruments (as a vibraphone)