Cudgel Meaning and Definition
Cudgel
Pronunciation
/ˈkʌdʒəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A long, thick stick, often made of wood or metal, used for beating or punishing.
Etymology
The word “Cudgel” has its origins in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic “kutiz” and Latin “cutis”, meaning “to beat”.
Usage Notes
The word “Cudgel” is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a tool used for flogging, thrashing, or beating. Avoid using it in informal or casual conversations.
Cultural References
In literature and art, the Cudgel is often depicted as a tool of punishment or discipline. For example, in Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, Petruchio uses a Cudgel to discipline Kate.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “to take a cudgel to” – to punish or discipline someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Shillelagh
- Felon
Collocations
- with a Cudgel, for instance
Frequency of Use
The word “Cudgel” is relatively rare in modern language, but it can be found in formal or literary texts that require a sense of antiquity or formality.
Common Misspellings
- Cudgell