trowel

Definition

A mason’s tool, used in spreading and dressing mortar, and breaking bricks to shape them.

Etymology

From Middle English trowell, trouel, truel, from Middle French truelle, from Late Latin truella, from Classical Latin trulla, the diminutive of trua (“ladle”). Doublet of trullo.

Example Sentences

• "I need to dig a hole for these begonias; would you pass me that trowel?"