■ noun
1》 a small tool with a flat, pointed blade, used to apply and spread mortar or plaster.
2》 a small tool with a curved scoop for lifting plants or earth.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ling , ~led ; US ~s , ~ing , ~ed ) apply or spread with or as if with a ~.
Origin
ME: from OFr. truele , from med. L. truella , alt. of L. trulla 'scoop'.