maul
UK: mɔːl | US: mɔːl
vt. to handle roughly or injure by beating
n. a heavy hammer or similar tool
n. (rugby) a loose scrum
The word "maul" traces back to the Latin "malleus," meaning "hammer," which evolved into Old French as "mail." It entered Middle English as "maul," retaining its original sense of a heavy hammer. Over time, the verb form emerged, describing actions resembling the violent striking of a hammer—hence "to handle roughly" or "injure." In rugby, the term metaphorically extends to a chaotic, hammer-like struggle for the ball.
The bear began to maul the hiker, leaving severe injuries.
He used a wooden maul to split the logs for firewood.
The rugby match descended into a fierce maul near the try line.
Critics mauled the artist’s latest exhibition for its lack of originality.
Always wear gloves when handling a maul to avoid splinters.