Definition

1. Noun:

   • A rounded knob on the hilt of a sword or dagger: The pommel is the counterweight at the end of a sword's grip, often decorative, used to balance the weapon.
   • The upward projecting front part of a saddle: This is the raised, rounded part at the front of a saddle, which the rider can hold for stability.
   • A handgrip on a pommel horse: In gymnastics, one of the two handles on the apparatus called a pommel horse.

2. Verb:

   • To strike repeatedly, especially with the fists: To beat or hit someone or something many times, often in a forceful and continuous manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The knight's sword had a silver pommel decorated with a ruby.
  • She held onto the saddle's pommel as the horse began to trot.
  • The gymnast's hands slipped from the pommels during his routine.

• Verb:

  • In his rage, he began to pommel the heavy bag with all his strength.
  • The boxer pommeled his opponent against the ropes.

Advanced Usage

• "To pommel into submission": To beat someone until they surrender or are defeated.
  • The larger fighter pommeled his rival into submission.

Variants and Related Words

• Pummel (verb): A common variant spelling of the verb 'to pommel', meaning to strike repeatedly.
  • The hailstones pummeled the roof of the car.

Synonyms

• Noun (hilt part): Knob, cap.
• Noun (saddle part): Saddlebow.
• Verb: Beat, pound, batter, thrash.

Related Phrases

• Pommel horse: The gymnastics apparatus featuring two pommels (handles).
  • He won a gold medal on the pommel horse.

Noun

1. an ornament in the shape of a ball on the hilt of a sword or dagger
2. handgrip formed by the raised front part of a saddle
3. a handgrip that a gymnast uses when performing exercises on a pommel horse

Verb

1. strike, usually with the fist
   • The pedestrians pummeled the demonstrators