- awl
- O.E. æl "awl, piercer," from P.Gmc. *ælo (cf. O.N. alr, Du. aal, M.L.G. al, O.H.G. äla, Ger. Ahle), of uncertain origin. Earliest references are to piercing of the ears, though later it was associated with shoemakers. Through misdivision, frequently written 15c.-17c. as nawl (for an awl).