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gambrel

noun
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gam·​brel | \ ˈgam-brəl How to pronounce gambrel (audio) \

Definition of gambrel

: a stick or iron for suspending slaughtered animals

Examples of gambrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Look for a gambrel with an integrated block and tackle to give a mechanical advantage when lifting heavy game. — The Editors, Outdoor Life, "Three Tools You Need to Process Game Meat," 3 Jan. 2020 Roof styles included a mix of gable, hip, gambrel and jerkin-head. — Micah Walker, Detroit Free Press, "How Henry Ford helped create historic Dearborn neighborhood that's still popular today," 27 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gambrel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of gambrel

1547, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gambrel

probably borrowed from Middle French (Norman) *gamberel, *gambereau (attested only in plural gambereaulx) "kind of pole or fork used by butchers," apparently re-formation or derivative of gambier, jambier "piece of wood used to keep the legs of a slaughtered animal separate," from gambe, jambe "leg" + -ier -er entry 2 — more at jamb

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The first known use of gambrel was in 1547

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Cite this Entry

“Gambrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gambrel. Accessed 10 Jul. 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on gambrel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gambrel

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