Definition of "maul" in English

noun

1. A heavy long-handled hammer, used for splitting logs by driving a wedge into them, or in combat.

2. (rugby) A situation where the player carrying the ball, who must be on his feet, is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's team mates bind onto the ball carrier.

3. (botany) The fruit of the Washingtonia species.

verb

1. To handle someone or something in a rough way.

2. (usually of an animal) To savage; to cause serious physical wounds.

   • The bear mauled him in a terrible way.

3. (figuratively) To criticise harshly.

   • The latest film by the Cohen brothers was mauled by the press, and was a box-office flop to boot.

4. (transitive) To beat with a maul.

5. (sex, slang) To play rough, to fondle intensively.