Mallet
WordNet
noun
(1) A tool resembling a hammer but with a large head (usually wooden); used to drive wedges or ram down paving stones or for crushing or beating or flattening or smoothing
(2) A light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike percussion instruments
(3) A sports implement with a long handle and a head like a hammer; used in sports (polo or croquet) to hit a ball
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A small maul with a short handle, used especially for driving a tool, as a chisel or the like.
- (Weapon) A weapon resembling the tool, but typically much larger.
- 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 51:
- The Mallet of arms, according to the representation of it given by Father Daniel, exactly resembles the wooden instrument of that name, now in use, except in the length of the handle, it was like the hammer of arms, to be used with both hands, indeed it differed very little from that weapon in its form.
- 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 51:
- A light beetle with a long handle used in playing croquet.
- The stick used to strike the ball in the sport of polo.