Awl \Awl\, n. [OE. aul, awel, al, AS. ?l, awel; akin to Icel. alr, OHG. [=a]la, G. ahle, Lith. yla, Skr. [=a]r[=a].]

A pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)