Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ferule

noun

/ˈfɛr.juːl/

Definition

A ferule is a flat, thin strip of metal, wood, or plastic used for various purposes, particularly in educational contexts.

Examples

The teacher used a ferule to tap on the desk, signaling for silence in the classroom.
As a child, I feared the ferule, which was sometimes brandished as a warning by strict educators.
In carpentry, a ferule can help provide extra support when joining two wooden pieces together.

Meaning

Historically, a ferule was often used as a disciplinary tool in schools, but it can also refer to any flat tool used for guiding or supporting other objects.