different between ruler vs ferule

English

Etymology

From Middle English reuler; equivalent to rule +? -er.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /??u?l?(?)/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??ul?/
• Rhymes: -u?l?(?)

Noun

ruler (plural rulers)

1. A (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a straightedge with markings.
2. A person who rules or governs; someone or something that exercises dominion or controlling power over others.

Usage notes

In American English, the word "ruler" is often used specifically to refer to such a measuring device that is one foot (12 inches) long. Used in contrast with "yardstick" and "meter stick."

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:ruler
• (measuring instrument): rule

Hyponyms

• See Thesaurus:ruler

Translations

Verb

ruler (third-person singular simple present rulers, present participle rulering, simple past and past participle rulered)

1. (transitive) To beat with a ruler (as a traditional school punishment).

Further reading

• ruler in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• ruler in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• ruler on Wikimedia Commons.Wikimedia Commons

Anagrams

• lurer

Cebuano

Etymology

From English ruler, from Middle English reuler.

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: ru?ler

Noun

ruler

1. a ruler

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin ferula

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?f??u?l/, /?f???l/
• Homophone: ferrule

Noun

ferule (plural ferules)

1. A ruler-shaped instrument, generally used to slap naughty children on the hand.

Translations

Verb

ferule (third-person singular simple present ferules, present participle feruling, simple past and past participle feruled)

1. (transitive) To punish with a ferule.
   • 1862, William S. Woodbridge, Captain Paul's Adventure: A "Charcoal Sketch", Ballou's Dollar Monthly Magazine, Volume 15, page 72,

     And they were right in their assumption; I could cudgel a great lubberly delinquent of a boy […] but when it came to feruling a girl […] my manhood rebelled […] .

Related terms

• ferulary

Anagrams

• fueler, refuel