Hypertext Webster Gateway: "awl"
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary (easton)
Awl
an instrument only referred to in connection with the custom of
boring the ear of a slave (Ex. 21:6; Deut. 15:17), in token of
his volunteering perpetual service when he might be free. (Comp.
Ps. 40:6; Isa. 50:5).
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Awl \Awl\, n. [OE. aul, awel, al, AS. ?l, awel; akin to Icel.
alr, OHG. [=a]la, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. [=a]r[=a].]
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
awl
n : a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching small
holes
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