I. ˈdau̇(ə)l noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English dowle, probably from Middle Low German dövel; akin to Old High German tubili plug, Middle Low German dövicke plug, Late Greek typhos wedge
1. : a headless smooth or barbed pin usually of circular section fitting into corresponding holes in abutting pieces to act as a temporary fastening or to keep them permanently in their proper relative position ; also : a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels
2. : a piece of wood driven into a wall so that other pieces may be nailed to it
3. : dovetail cramp
II. transitive verb
( doweled or dowelled ; doweled or dowelled ; doweling or dowelling ; dowels )
: to fasten or locate (a part with reference to another part) by dowels : furnish with dowels