# Pell

/ˈpɛɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pell
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a heavy wooden post used for practice by people learning to fight with swords. It is a very old word for a training tool.

For teachers: a wooden post or stake planted in the ground, historically used by soldiers or knights for sword-fighting and tilting practice.

## Examples

- The young knight practiced his strikes against the pell every morning.
- Before being allowed to spar with a real opponent, the squire spent hours hitting the pell to improve his aim.
- The courtyard contained several pells, their surfaces scarred by years of heavy blows from trainees learning the fundamentals of medieval combat.

## Usage notes

- Primarily found in historical fiction or academic texts regarding medieval warfare.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.