The word "mauls" is spelled with the letters M-A-U-L-S. It can be pronounced as /mɔːlz/. The first sound, /m/, is a voiced bilabial nasal sound. The following sound, /ɔː/, is a long open-mid back vowel sound. The final sound, /lz/, is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar lateral fricative followed by a voiceless alveolar sibilant. Together, these sounds create the pronunciation of "mauls". This word can be used as a verb, meaning to attack or injure with a tool called a maul.
"Mauls" is a verb that can have multiple connotations depending on the context. Primarily, it refers to the action of repeatedly and violently attacking or causing serious injury to someone or something, typically with one's hands or a weapon. It involves striking or hitting with great force, often resulting in severe damage or wounds. This usage of "mauls" commonly relates to animal attacks or savage acts of aggression by humans.
Alternatively, "mauls" can also refer to a type of handheld tool used in various industries. In this context, a maul is a heavy hammer-like object with a long handle, typically made of wood, fiberglass, or metal. It is primarily designed for pounding, driving, or splitting tasks, such as driving stakes into the ground or splitting logs. The head of a maul is usually larger and heavier than that of a typical hammer, providing more force and impact for the intended task.
In both cases, the term "mauls" implies forceful, aggressive action resulting in impactful damage or alteration. However, its specific definition may vary depending on the subject matter being discussed, either as an act of violence or as a tool for heavy-duty tasks.
The word "mauls" has a Middle English origin, derived from the Old English "maᵹeᵹe" or "mēsegan". It is related to the Old Norse word "mala", which means "to bruise" or "to crush". The term evolved over time and eventually came to refer to heavy hammers or mallets used for striking or pounding objects. In modern usage, "mauls" generally refers to a type of hand tool with a heavy head and a long handle, used for driving wedges, splitting wood, or similar tasks.