varvel

English

Alternative forms

• vervelle
• vervel

Etymology

French or Vulgar Latin derivation of Latin vertibulum "joint."

Noun

varvel (plural varvels)

1. (falconry, heraldry) A metal ring bearing the owner's name or coat of arms, attached to a hawk's jesses. Used for identifying birds.
   • 1894 — James Parker, A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry, s.v. Falcon.

     To the jesses, it is said, are attached the varvels, sometimes written vervels, or rings.