awl

Stitching awls

Meaning

Noun

  • A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.
  • Any of various hesperiid butterflies.

Origin

  • From Middle English aul, alle, al, from Old English æl, from Proto-Germanic *alaz, from Proto-Indo-European *h₁ólos.

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