I. ˈdau̇(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Middle English dowle; akin to Old High German tubili plug, Late Greek typhos wedge
Date: 14th century
1. : a pin fitting into a hole in an abutting piece to prevent motion or slipping ; 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 can be nailed to it
II. transitive verb
( -elled also -eled ; -elling also -eling )
Date: 1713
: to fasten by or furnish with dowels