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To give the appearance of being adamant or decisive, while really having no intention to "make good" on one's promises (or threats). Derived from the tradition of the jurisprudent's gavel in US courts, which is used in television dramas to silence a querulous courtroom -- the gavel, despite conveying the image of power and authority, has in itself no inherent power (and so often proves insufficient at restoring "order in the court" amidst the outbursts of some headstrong witness or defendant). Because the gesture is itself only performative, it relies entirely upon the fear and awe of the hearer in order to retain its power.
"Coach will always gavulate about the importance of 'fundamentals' in basketball. But let a 6'11" kid show up to tryouts and it won't matter whether he can even dribble a ball."
gavulate by prevailingwest September 30, 2021
Related Words

Gragulate 

A combination of a blow job and throwing up while pooping.
Dude the other night at Jeff's party and i met up with this hot chick and we hooked up when we started drinking but she totally gragulated on me
Gragulate by Jo-ezzl May 30, 2008
A man with a insanely large penis, so large that you gag when you even look at it.
I heard that Chloe's boyfriend is a total gagulator, which is why she was so hesitant to sleep with him.
Gagulator by Nandoooo July 28, 2010

Gagulatory 

His wife won't give him a BJ because she says it's gagulatory.
Gagulatory by FoxyRoxy69 October 23, 2009