n. & v.
n. 1 a small hand-held tool with a flat pointed blade, used to apply and spread mortar etc. 2 a similar tool with a curved scoop for lifting plants or earth.
v.tr. (trowelled, trowelling; US troweled, troweling) 1 apply (plaster etc.). 2 dress (a wall etc.) with a trowel.
[ ME f. OF truele f. med.L truella f. L trulla scoop, dimin. of trua ladle etc. ]