Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Awl \Awl\, n. [OE. aul, awel, al, AS. ?l, awel; akin to Icel.
   alr, OHG. [=a]la, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. [=a]r[=a].]
   A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather
   or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc.
   The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different
   uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl,
   etc.

Source : WordNet®

awl
     n : a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching small
         holes