n. & v.
n. 1 a a spadelike tool for shifting quantities of coal, earth, etc., esp. having the sides curved upwards. b the amount contained in a shovel; a shovelful. 2 a machine or part of a machine having a similar form or function.
v.tr. (shovelled, shovelling; US shoveled, shoveling) 1 shift or clear (coal etc.) with or as if with a shovel. 2 colloq. move (esp. food) in large quantities or roughly (shovelled peas into his mouth). shovel hat a broad-brimmed hat esp. worn by some clergymen. shovelful n. (pl. -fuls).
[ OE scofl f. Gmc (see SHOVE) ]