'Ferule' definitions:

Definition of 'ferule'

noun

A switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children

From: GCIDE

Ferule \Fer"ule\ (? or ?; 277), n. [L. ferula: cf. F. f['e]rule. See Ferula.]
1. A flat piece of wood, used for striking, children, esp. on the hand, in punishment. [1913 Webster]
2. A ferrule. [R.] [PJC]

From: GCIDE

Ferule \Fer"ule\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Feruled; p. pr. & vb. n. Feruling.] To punish with a ferule. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Ferrule \Fer"rule\ (f[e^]r"r[i^]l or f[e^]r"r[.u]l; 277), n. [Formerly verrel, F. virole, fr. L. viriola little bracelet, dim. of viriae, pl., bracelets; prob. akin to viere to twist, weave, and E. withe. The spelling with f is due to confusion with L. ferrum iron.] [Sometimes spelled ferule.]
1. A ring or cap of metal put round a cane, tool, handle, or other similar object, to strengthen it, or prevent splitting and wearing. [1913 Webster]
2. (Machinery) Any of various circular or cylindrical metal objects used at joints in a tube, pipe, or rod, especially to assist making a tight seal at a joint. [PJC]
3. Hence: (Steam Boilers) A bushing for expanding the end of a flue to fasten it tightly in the tube plate, or for partly filling up its mouth. [1913 Webster]
4. Hence: (Chemistry) A bushing used at the joints of metal tubing in HPLC equipment to make a tight seal. [PJC]
5. (Fishing) One of several small rings at the top of a casting rod which holds the fishing line. --RHUD [PJC]