Mace vs. Maul: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Mace is a blunt weapon with a heavy head, often used in medieval combat, while a maul is a large hammer-like tool or weapon, typically used for splitting wood or in battle with a broader striking surface.
Key Differences
A mace is a type of blunt weapon with a heavy, often spiked, head attached to a handle, primarily used in medieval combat. It was designed to inflict damage through armor by crushing rather than cutting. A maul, on the other hand, is a large, hammer-like tool or weapon with a broad striking surface. Traditionally, mauls were used for splitting wood, with a wedge-shaped head that made it easier to split logs.
Both the mace and the maul were used in medieval warfare, but they had different designs and purposes. The mace's compact size and spiked head made it ideal for close combat and penetrating armor. The maul's larger size and broad head were better suited for more forceful, sweeping attacks, often used to break through shields and armor or in siege warfare.
While maces are more associated with knights and foot soldiers, mauls were sometimes used by specialized troops or for specific tasks in battle. The choice between a mace and a maul would depend on the combat situation and the type of opponent or obstacle faced.
Comparison Chart
Design
Blunt weapon with a heavy, often spiked, head
Large, hammer-like tool with a broad head
Primary Use
Medieval combat
Splitting wood or combat
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Combat Application
Close combat, penetrating armor
Broad, forceful strikes
Size
Compact
Larger, more unwieldy
Historical Association
Knights and foot soldiers
Specialized troops, siege warfare
Mace and Maul Definitions
Mace
A type of spice made from the outer covering of nutmeg.
She added a pinch of mace to the stew for extra flavor.
Maul
A heavy tool used in masonry and construction.
The construction worker wielded a maul to break the concrete.
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Mace
A tool used in historical policing.
The constable brandished a mace to disperse the crowd.
Maul
A term in rugby referring to a situation where a player is held but not brought to the ground.
The team formed a maul to advance the ball.
Mace
A ceremonial staff carried by officials as a symbol of authority.
The mayor carried a mace during the inauguration ceremony.
Maul
A heavy, long-handled hammer used especially to drive stakes, piles, or wedges.
Mace
A chemical spray used for self-defense.
She carried mace in her purse for protection.
Maul
A heavy hammer having a wedge-shaped head and used for splitting logs.
Mace
A ceremonial staff borne or displayed as the symbol of authority of a legislative body.
Maul
A play in rugby in which a mass of players gathers around a ball carrier being tackled and attempts to gain possession of the ball when it is released.
Mace
A macebearer.
Maul
The mass of players during such a play.
Mace
A heavy medieval war club with a spiked or flanged metal head, used to crush armor.
Maul
To injure or mutilate, as by scratching or beating
Stories of hikers mauled by wild animals.
A boxer who mauled his opponent.
Mace
A thin fleshy red covering that surrounds the kernel of the nutmeg, dried and used as a spice.
Maul
A heavy long-handled hammer, used for splitting logs by driving a wedge into them, or in combat.
Mace
A heavy fighting club.
Maul
(rugby) A situation where the player carrying the ball, who must be on his feet, is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier's team mates bind onto the ball carrier.
Mace
A ceremonial form of this weapon.
Maul
To handle someone or something in a rough way.
Mace
A long baton used by some drum majors to keep time and lead a marching band. If this baton is referred to as a mace, by convention it has a ceremonial often decorative head, which, if of metal, usually is hollow and sometimes intricately worked.
Maul
To savage; to cause serious physical wounds usually used of an animal.
The bear mauled him in a terrible way.
Mace
An officer who carries a mace as a token of authority.
Maul
(figuratively) To criticise harshly.
The latest film by the Cohen brothers was mauled by the press, and was a box-office flop to boot.
Mace
A knobbed mallet used by curriers make leather supple when dressing it.
Maul
(transitive) To beat with a maul.
Mace
(archaic) A billiard cue.
Maul
A heavy wooden hammer or beetle.
Mace
An old money of account in China equal to one tenth of a tael.
Maul
To beat and bruise with a heavy stick or cudgel; to wound in a coarse manner.
Meek modern faith to murder, hack, and maul.
Mace
An old weight of 57.98 grains.
Maul
To injure greatly; to do much harm to.
It mauls not only the person misrepreseted, but him also to whom he is misrepresented.
Mace
A spice obtained from the outer layer of the kernel of the fruit of the nutmeg.
Maul
A heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges
Mace
Tear gas or pepper spray, especially for personal use.
Maul
Split (wood) with a maul and wedges
Mace
To hit someone or something with a mace.
Maul
Injure badly by beating
Mace
To spray in defense or attack with mace (pepper spray or tear gas) using a hand-held device.
Maul
A large, heavy hammer used for splitting wood.
He used a maul to split the logs for the fireplace.
Mace
(informal) To spray a similar noxious chemical in defense or attack using an available hand-held device such as an aerosol spray can.
Maul
A weapon resembling a large hammer, used in battle.
The warrior swung his maul with great force.
Mace
A money of account in China equal to one tenth of a tael; also, a weight of 57.98 grains.
Maul
To handle roughly or attack severely.
The bear mauled the hunter, leaving him seriously injured.
Mace
A kind of spice; the aril which partly covers nutmegs. See Nutmeg.
Mace
A heavy staff or club of metal; a spiked club; - used as weapon in war before the general use of firearms, especially in the Middle Ages, for breaking metal armor.
Death with his mace petrific . . . smote.
Mace
A staff borne by, or carried before, a magistrate as an ensign of his authority.
Mace
An officer who carries a mace as an emblem of authority; a macebearer.
Mace
A knobbed mallet used by curriers in dressing leather to make it supple.
Mace
A rod for playing billiards, having one end suited to resting on the table and pushed with one hand.
Mace
A chemical preparation containing tear gas in a solvent, packaged in the form of a spray, and used to temporarily incapacitate people, such as rioters or criminals, by causing intense eye and skin irritation; also called chemical mace. It is designed to be a non-lethal weapon for defending against violent people.
Mace
(trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
Mace
An official who carries a mace of office
Mace
Spice made from the dried fleshy covering of the nutmeg seed
Mace
A ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of office or authority
Mace
A heavy club with a spiked head used in medieval combat.
The knight wielded a mace to crush his enemy's armor.
FAQs
What is the primary difference between a mace and a maul?
A mace is a blunt weapon with a heavy, often spiked head, while a maul is a large hammer-like tool with a broad striking surface.
Can a maul be used in combat?
Yes, a maul can be used in combat, especially for broad, forceful strikes.
How does the size of a mace compare to a maul?
A mace is typically more compact, whereas a maul is larger and heavier.
Were maces used for anything other than combat?
Yes, maces were also used as ceremonial symbols of authority.
What is a modern use of mace?
Mace is commonly used as a self-defense chemical spray.
Are mauls still used today?
Yes, mauls are still used today, primarily for splitting wood.
Is there a difference between a maul and a sledgehammer?
While similar, a maul typically has a wedge-shaped head for splitting, whereas a sledgehammer has a flat head for breaking.
What materials were maces made from?
Maces were often made from metal or wood with metal reinforcements.
Is there a specific technique for using a maul in combat?
Using a maul in combat involves broad, powerful swings to maximize impact.
Did maces have any symbolic significance?
Yes, maces often symbolized authority and power in ceremonial contexts.
Were mauls used by any specific type of troops?
Mauls were sometimes used by specialized troops, such as those involved in siege warfare.
What is the origin of the word 'mace'?
The word 'mace' comes from the Middle English word 'masse,' meaning a heavy club.
Were maces ever used in hunting?
No, maces were not typically used in hunting; they were primarily weapons of war.
Did knights prefer maces or mauls?
Knights generally preferred maces for their ability to penetrate armor.
Can mace refer to something other than a weapon?
Yes, mace can also refer to a spice or a ceremonial staff.
Did maces evolve over time?
Yes, maces evolved in design to improve their effectiveness against armor.
Do any sports terms derive from 'maul'?
Yes, in rugby, a 'maul' refers to a play where the ball carrier is held but not brought to the ground.
How effective were maces against armored opponents?
Maces were very effective against armored opponents due to their crushing power.
Are mauls depicted in historical artwork?
Yes, mauls are often depicted in historical artwork related to battle scenes.
What is a common modern equivalent of a maul?
A common modern equivalent of a maul is a splitting maul used for chopping wood.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
