Real Dictionary

gavel
A gavel is a small wooden hammer that the person in charge of a law court, an auction, or a meeting bangs on a table to get people's attention.

gavel in American English
a small mallet rapped on the table by a presiding officer in calling for attention or silence, or by an auctioneer
to strike a gavel
to strike with or as with a gavel

gavel in American English 1
noun: a small mallet used by the presiding officer of a meeting, a judge, etc., usually to signal for attention or order
transitive verb: to chair (a legislative session, convention, meeting, etc.)

gavel in American English 2
noun: feudal rent or tribute

gavel in British English
noun: a small hammer used by the chair of a meeting, auctioneer, etc, to call for order or attention