What's an intuitive derivation behind ODO's definition that helps to remember its meaning?
to pummel = [with object]
1. Strike repeatedly with the fists
1.1. [North American, informal] Criticize severely:Etymonline: mid-13c., "ornamental knob;" c.1300, "knob at the end of a sword hilt," from Old French pomel (12c., Modern French pommeau), "rounded knob," diminutive of pom "hilt of a sword," from Late Latin pomellum, diminutive of Latin pomum "apple" (see Pomona), the connecting notion being "roundness." Sense of "front peak of a saddle" first recorded mid-15c. In Middle English poetry it also sometimes meant a woman's breast. The gymnast's pommel horse is attested from 1908.
I recognise 'une pomme' from French but how does 'roundness' induce the current meaning?
Best Answer
Visually quite obvious.
Pummel someone with the (apple shaped) ornamental knob at the end of your sword.
source: WikiMedia
A standard movement in infighting
(source: aemma.org)
source: The Sign of the Sword