Category:Awl

Awl, n. Etym: [OE. aul, awel, al, AS. , awel; akin to Icel. alr, OHG. ala, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. ara.]

Defn: A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.

-- ---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Awl - An instrument or tool only referred to in connection with the custom of boring the ear of a slave (Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17), in token of his volunteering perpetual service when he might be free. (Compare Psalm 40:6; Isaiah 50:5).