Awl (?), n. [OE. aul, awel, al, AS. l, awel; akin to Icel. alr, OHG. ala, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. ara.]
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.
© Webster 1913.