1. Noun:
* A short, heavy stick used as a weapon: This is the most common meaning of "cudgel." Think of a thick, wooden club.
* Example: "The villain brandished a cudgel, threatening to attack."
2. Verb:
* To beat or strike with a cudgel: This is the verb form of the word.
* Example: "The knight was cudgelled by the enemy soldiers."
3. Figuratively:
* To repeatedly attack or criticize: In this sense, "cudgel" is used metaphorically to describe forceful and relentless argumentation or criticism.
* Example: "The politician was cudgelled with questions about his past actions."
The word "cudgel" often has a connotation of violence, aggression, and force.