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ferule

noun
fer·​ule | \ ˈfer-əl How to pronounce ferule (audio) , ˈfe-rəl\
variants: or less commonly ferula \ ˈfer-​(y)ə-​lə How to pronounce ferula (audio) \

Definition of ferule

1 : an instrument (such as a flat piece of wood like a ruler) used to punish children
2 : school discipline

First Known Use of ferule

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ferule

Latin ferula giant fennel, ferule

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Time Traveler for ferule

The first known use of ferule was in 1566

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