Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ferule \Fer"ule\ (? or ?; 277), n. [L. ferula: cf. F. f['e]rule.
   See {Ferula}.]
   A flat piece of wood, used for striking, children, esp. on
   the hand, in punishment.

Ferule \Fer"ule\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Feruled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Feruling}.]
   To punish with a ferule.

Source : WordNet®

ferule
     n : a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish
         children