I. ˈtrau̇(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Middle English truel, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin truella, from Latin trulla ladle
Date: 13th century
: any of various hand tools used to apply, spread, shape, or smooth loose or plastic material ; also : a scoop-shaped or flat-bladed garden tool for taking up and setting small plants
[
trowel: 1 gardener's, 2 plasterer's, 3 bricklayer's
]
II. transitive verb
( -eled or -elled ; -el·ing or -el·ling )
Date: circa 1670
: to smooth, mix, or apply with or as if with a trowel
• trow·el·er noun