/
ˈkʌdʒ(ə)l/
n.
a short, thick stick used as a weapon.
v.
(cudgels, cudgelling, cudgelled; US cudgels, cudgeling, cudgeled)
beat with a cudgel.
Phrase
- cudgel one's brain
Brit. think hard about a problem. - take up cudgels
start to defend or support someone or something strongly.
Etymology
OE cycgel, of unknown origin.