From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Ferrule \Fer"rule\ (f[e^]r"r[i^]l or f[e^]r"r[.u]l; 277), noun [Formerly verrel, F. virole, fr. L. viriola little bracelet, dim. of viriae, pl., bracelets; prob. akin to viere to twist, weave, and E. withe. The spelling with f is due to confusion with L. ferrum iron.] [Sometimes spelled {ferule}.]
1. A ring or cap of metal put round a cane, tool, handle, or other similar object, to strengthen it, or prevent splitting and wearing.
2. (Machinery) Any of various circular or cylindrical metal objects used at joints in a tube, pipe, or rod, especially to assist making a tight seal at a joint. [PJC]
3. Hence: (Steam Boilers) A bushing for expanding the end of a flue to fasten it tightly in the tube plate, or for partly filling up its mouth.
4. Hence: (Chemistry) A bushing used at the joints of metal tubing in HPLC equipment to make a tight seal. [PJC]
5. (Fishing) One of several small rings at the top of a casting rod which holds the fishing line. --RHUD [PJC]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Ferule \Fer"ule\ (? or ?; 277), noun [L. ferula: cf. F. f['e]rule. See {Ferula}.]
1. A flat piece of wood, used for striking, children, esp. on the hand, in punishment.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Ferule \Fer"ule\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Feruled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Feruling}.] To punish with a ferule.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
noun
1: a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children
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