# ferule

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfɛɹuːl/

## Definitions
1. A ruler-shaped instrument, generally used to slap naughty children on the hand.

## Etymology
From Middle French ferule (modern French férule), from Latin ferula (“giant fennel”). Doublet of ferula.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ferule