[dow.el] n [ME dowle; akin to OHG tubili plug, LGk typhos wedge] (14c) 1: a pin fitting into a hole in an abutting piece to prevent motion or slipping; also: a round rod or stick used esp. for cutting up into dowels
2: a piece of wood driven into a wall so that other pieces can be nailed to it
[2]dowel vt -elled also -eled ; -elling also -eling (1713): to fasten by or furnish with dowels