The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cudgel \Cudg"el\ (k?j"?l), n. [OE. kuggel; cf. G. keule club
   (with a round end), kugel ball, or perh. W. cogyl cudgel, or
   D. cudse, kuds, cudgel.]
   A staff used in cudgel play, shorter than the quarterstaff,
   and wielded with one hand; hence, any heavy stick used as a
   weapon.
   [1913 Webster]

         He getteth him a grievous crabtree cudgel and . . .
         falls to rating of them as if they were dogs. --Bunyan.
   [1913 Webster]

   Cudgel play, a fight or sportive contest with cudgels.

   To cross the cudgels, to forbear or give up the contest; --
      a phrase borrowed from the practice of cudgel players, who
      lay one cudgel over another when the contest is ended.

   To take up cudgels for, to engage in a contest in behalf of
      (some one or something).
      [1913 Webster]