cudgel
Pronunciation:
/ˈkʌdʒəl/noun
Definitions
A short heavy club with a rounded head used as a weapon.
Example: The guard hefted his cudgel menacingly and looked at the inmates.
Anything that can be used as a threat to force one's will on another.
verb
Definitions
To strike with a cudgel.
Example: The officer was violently cudgeled down in the midst of the rioters.
To exercise (one's wits or brains).