kevel

n. [ Prov. E. kevil, cavel, rod, pole, a large hammer, horse's bit; cf. Icel. kefli cylinder, a stick, mangle, and Dan. kievle a roller. ] 1. (Naut.) A strong cleat to which large ropes are belayed. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A stone mason's hammer. [ Written also cavil. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Kevel head (Naut.), a projecting end of a timber, used as a kevel.