Malleus
Dimin.
Malleŏlus (
σφῦρα). A hammer or mallet. In Greek,
σφῦρα is
the generic term, and
ῥαιστήρ and
κέστρα denote the heavy hammer used by smiths, while
κροταφίς is a hammer with one end sharpened like a pick. In Latin, the heavy
hammer is called
marcus, and the
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Ancient Hammers. 1. Carpenter's Hammer. 2. Smith's Hammer. 3. Butcher's Hammer.
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smaller varieties
marculus and
marcellus. The smith's hammer, shown in no. 2, is of wood, bound with iron. The
butcher's hammer or mallet in no. 3 was used in slaughtering oxen, and also by the
popa (q. v.) at sacrifices.
