The knob at the end of the hilt of European swords, whose original function was to stop the hand from slipping off the hilt. Later, by the 11th century, it was used as a counterweight, bringing the center of gravity closer to the hilt and thus making the sword easier to wield.

It could also be used as a forceful blunt object, exacting blows to the head, for example, which is why, beginning around the 16th century and still used today, the word pummel (as in, "he pummeled him to the ground.") means to beat something forcefully and repetitively.