The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gavel \Gav"el\ (g[a^]v"[e^]l), n.
   A gable. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Gavel \Gav"el\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
   1. The mallet of the presiding officer in a legislative body,
      public assembly, court, masonic body, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A mason's setting maul. --Knight.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

gavel
    n 1: a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge

Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

GAVEL. A tax, imposition or tribute; the same as gabel. (q. v.)