ferule

/'feru:l/

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Word: Ferule

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "ferule" is a stick, cane, or flat paddle that is traditionally used for punishing children, especially in schools. It was often used to hit the hands or other parts of the body as a form of discipline.

Usage Instructions:

• The word "ferule" is mostly used in historical or educational contexts, particularly when discussing old teaching methods or discipline practices.
• It is not commonly used in modern conversation, as physical punishment in schools has largely been abandoned in many places.

Example Sentence:

• "In the past, some teachers used a ferule to discipline students who misbehaved."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or discussions about education history, you might encounter "ferule" when examining the evolution of disciplinary methods in schools. For example, "The use of a ferule was once a common practice, reflecting the strict educational norms of the time."

Word Variants:

• Ferulic (adjective): Pertaining to a ferule, although this form is rarely used.

Different Meanings:

• While "ferule" primarily refers to the disciplinary tool, it can also refer to a broader concept of a rule or guideline in some contexts, though this usage is less common.

Synonyms:

• Switch
• Cane
• Paddle
• Rod

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "ferule," but you might hear phrases like "to give someone a taste of the ferule," which means to punish them, usually in a metaphorical sense.

Summary:

A "ferule" is a historical tool used for punishment, particularly in educational settings. It is important to understand its context, as modern discipline methods have shifted away from physical punishment.

Academic

Noun

1. a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children