n.
- a small tool with a flat, pointed blade, used to apply and spread mortar or plaster.
- a small tool with a curved scoop for lifting plants or earth.
v.
(trowels, trowelling, trowelled; US trowels, troweling, troweled)
apply or spread with or as if with a trowel.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. truele, from med. L. truella, alt. of L. trulla ‘scoop’.