pommel

Definition

The upper front brow of a saddle.

Etymology

From Middle English pomel, from Old French pomel and Medieval Latin pomellum, pumellum, presumedly via Vulgar Latin *pomellum (“ball, knob”), the diminutive of Late Latin pōmum (“apple”). Compare French pommeau, Spanish pomo, and Swedish pumla.

Example Sentences

• "But, if it does so sit, it is plain that the pommel must rise sufficiently to secure the withers from pressure; therefore it follows, that a horse whose withers are higher than common, (a well-built hunter for example,) requires a pommel higher by so much as he excels the generality of horses."
• "In the shoulder saddle, pommel and cantle are inclined toward each other at the bottom and away from each other at the top."
• "An owner fits four fingers underneath the saddle's pommel, testing the fit of the saddle."