beetle (1) (tle = tel)

[A.S. bytel, bytl, biotula mallet, a staff; from beatan = to beat. In L. Ger. betel, bötel = a clog for a dog; N. H. Ger. beutela bag, a purse, a beater, a reaping-chisel; M. H. Ger. boszel = a beater.] 1. A maul, a heavy wooden mallet for driving stones, stakes, or tent-pegs into the ground. BEETLE. "If I do, fillip me with a three-man bestle."Shakesp.: 2 Hen. IV ., 1. 2.