awl

[awl] /ɔl/
noun
1.
a pointed instrument for piercing small holes in leather, wood, etc.
Origin
before 900; Middle English al, eal, aul, Old English al, eal, æl; cognate with Old Norse alr; akin to Middle English ēl, Old English ǣl, Old High German āla (German Ahle), Sanskrit ā́rā
Can be confused
ale, ail, awl.
all, awl (see usage note at all)

A.W.L.

1.
absent with leave.
Also, a.w.l.
Examples from the web for awl
  • Use an awl or screwdriver to probe into decayed areas and determine the extent of the damage.
  • From a leather pouch he removed his tools, an awl of steel and antler, a block of bone.
  • With an awl, punch five holes in pumpkin for the laces and pull tab.
British Dictionary definitions for awl

awl

/ɔːl/
noun
1.
a pointed hand tool with a fluted blade used for piercing wood, leather, etc See also bradawl
Word Origin
Old English ǣl; related to Old Norse alr, Old High German āla, Dutch aal, Sanskrit ārā
Word Origin and History for awl
n.

Old English æl "awl, piercer," from Proto-Germanic *ælo (cf. Old Norse alr, Dutch aal, Middle Low German al, Old High German äla, German Ahle), of uncertain origin. Earliest references are to piercing of the ears, though later it was associated with shoemakers. Through misdivision, frequently written 15c.-17c. as nawl (for an awl; see N).

Related Abbreviations for awl

AWL

absent with leave
awl in the Bible

an instrument only referred to in connection with the custom of boring the ear of a slave (Ex. 21:6; Deut. 15:17), in token of his volunteering perpetual service when he might be free. (Comp. Ps. 40:6; Isa. 50:5).