Dictionary definitions
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cavil
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Kevel \Kev"el\, n. [Prov. E. kevil, cavel, rod, pole, a large
hammer, horse's bit; cf. Icel. kefli cylinder, a stick,
mangle, and Dan. kievle a roller.]
1. (Naut.) A strong cleat to which large ropes are belayed.
[1913 Webster]
2. A stone mason's hammer. [Written also cavil.]
[1913 Webster]
Kevel head (Naut.), a projecting end of a timber, used as a
kevel. Kevel
.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cavil \Cav"il\ (k[a^]v"[i^]l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Caviled or Cavilled; p. pr. & vb. n. Caviling or Cavilling.] [L. cavillari to practice jesting, to censure, fr. cavilla bantering jests, sophistry: cf. OF. caviller.] To raise captious and frivolous objections; to find fault without good reason. [1913 Webster] You do not well in obstinacy To cavil in the course of this contract. --Shak. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cavil \Cav"il\, v. t. To cavil at. [Obs.] --Milton. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cavil \Cav"il\, n.
A captious or frivolous objection.
[1913 Webster]
All the cavils of prejudice and unbelief. --Shak.
[1913 Webster] Caviler
