I. ˈchi-z ə l noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French * chisel, cisel, from Vulgar Latin * cisellum, alteration of caesellum, from Latin caesus, past participle of caedere to cut
Date: 14th century
: a metal tool with a sharpened edge at one end used to chip, carve, or cut into a solid material (as wood, stone, or metal)
II. verb
( -eled or -elled ; -el·ing or chis·el·ling ˈchi-zə-liŋ, ˈchiz-liŋ)
Date: 1509
transitive verb
1. : to cut or work with or as if with a chisel
2. : to employ shrewd or unfair practices on in order to obtain one's end ; also : to obtain by such practices
chisel a job
intransitive verb
1. : to work with or as if with a chisel
2.
a. : to employ shrewd or unfair practices
b. : to thrust oneself : intrude
chisel in on a racket
• chis·el·er or chis·el·ler ˈchi-zə-lər, ˈchiz-lər noun