'pummel' originates from Middle English or Early Modern English, probably influenced by Middle French 'pomel' (a diminutive of 'pomme'), where 'pom-'/ 'pomme' meant 'apple' or a rounded object.

'pummel' changed from Middle French/Medieval English forms such as 'pomel'/'pumel' and took on a verbal sense (to strike) in Early Modern English, eventually becoming the modern English verb 'pummel'.

Initially associated with a 'small rounded object' or 'knob' (from words like 'pomel'), over time the word developed the sense 'to strike with the knob or fist' and evolved into the current meaning 'to beat or strike repeatedly'.