I. ˈrau̇(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Middle English rowelle, from Anglo-French roele small wheel — more at roulette
Date: 15th century
: a revolving disk with sharp marginal points at the end of a spur
II. transitive verb
( -eled or -elled ; -el·ing or -el·ling )
Date: 1580
1. : to goad with or as if with a rowel
2. : vex , trouble