pall-mall

noun

ˌpel-ˈmel How to pronounce pall-mall (audio)
ˌpal-ˈmal,
 US often  ˌpȯl-ˈmȯl
: a 17th century game in which each player attempts to drive a wooden ball with a mallet down an alley and through a raised ring in as few strokes as possible
also : the alley in which it is played

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pallemaille, from Italian pallamaglio, from palla ball (of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German balla ball) + maglio mallet, from Latin malleus — more at ball, maul

First Known Use

circa 1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pall-mall was circa 1566

Dictionary Entries Near pall-mall

Cite this Entry

“Pall-mall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pall-mall. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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