/pes"euhl, pes"tl/ , n. , v. , pestled, pestling .
n.
1. a tool for pounding or grinding substances in a mortar. See illus. under mortar 1 .
2. any of various appliances for pounding, stamping, etc.
v.t.
3. to pound or grind with or as if with a pestle.
v.i.
4. to work with a pestle.
[ 1300-50; ME pestel pistillum, deriv. of pistus, ptp. of pinsere to pound, crush ]