n. & v.
--n.
1. a a spadelike tool for shifting quantities of coal, earth, etc., esp. having the sides curved upwards. b the amount contained in a shovel; a shovelful.
2 a machine or part of a machine having a similar form or function.
--v.tr. (shovelled, shovelling; US shoveled, shoveling)
1. shift or clear (coal etc.) with or as if with a shovel.
2 colloq. move (esp. food) in large quantities or roughly (shovelled peas into his mouth).
Phrases and idioms:
shovel hat a broad-brimmed hat esp. worn by some clergymen.
Derivatives:
shovelful n. (pl. -fuls).
Etymology: OE scofl f. Gmc (see SHOVE)