Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gavel \Gav"el\ (g[a^]v"[e^]l), n.
   A gable. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.

Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [OF. gavelle, F. javelle, prob. dim. from L.
   capulus handle, fr. capere to lay hold of, seize; or cf. W.
   gafael hold, grasp. Cf. {Heave}.]
   A small heap of grain, not tied up into a bundle. --Wright.

Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
   1. The mallet of the presiding officer in a legislative body,
      public assembly, court, masonic body, etc.

   2. A mason's setting maul. --Knight.

Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [OF. gavel, AS. gafol, prob. fr. gifan to
   give. See {Give}, and cf. {Gabel} tribute.] (Law)
   Tribute; toll; custom. [Obs.] See {Gabel}. --Cowell.

Source : WordNet®

gavel
     n : a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge