/row"euhl/ , n. , v. , roweled, roweling or ( esp. Brit. ) rowelled, rowelling .
n.
1. a small wheel with radiating points, forming the extremity of a spur. See illus. under spur 1 .
2. Vet. Med. a piece of leather or the like inserted beneath the skin of a horse or other animal to promote drainage of an infection.
v.t.
3. to prick or urge with a rowel.
4. Vet. Med. to insert a rowel in.
[ 1350-1400; ME rowelle ruelle, OF roel rotella, equiv. to L rot ( a ) wheel + -ella -ELLE ]