Brewer's: Maul

To beat roughly, to batter. The maul was a bludgeon with a leaden head, carried by ancient soldiery. It is generally called a “mall.”

Maul

(The Giant). A giant who used to spoil young pilgrims with sophistry. He attacked Mr. Greatheart with a club, and the combat between them lasted for the space of an hour. At length Mr. Greatheart pierced the giant under the fifth rib, and then cut off his head. (Bunyan: Pilgrim's Progress, pt. ii.)

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