1. plural of ferule; flat rulers or canes used for punishing students by striking their hands
Usage: archaic; historical
2. plural of ferule; metal rings or caps used to strengthen or protect the ends of tools or walking sticks
Usage: technical

Examples

• The old schoolmaster kept several ferules in his desk drawer.
• Students feared the sting of the teacher’s ferules on their knuckles.
• The walking stick had brass ferules to prevent the wood from splitting.
• Craftsmen attached metal ferules to the ends of their chisels.
• The antique cane featured ornate silver ferules at both ends.
• Museum displays showed the ferules once used in Victorian classrooms.