from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dowel \Dow"el\, n. [Cf. G. d["o]bel peg, F. douelle state of a
cask, surface of an arch, douille socket, little pipe,
cartridge.] (Mech.)
1. A pin, or block, of wood or metal, fitting into holes in
the abutting portions of two pieces, and being partly in
one piece and partly in the other, to keep them in their
proper relative position.
[1913 Webster]
2. A piece of wood driven into a wall, so that other pieces
may be nailed to it.
[1913 Webster]
{Dowel joint}, a joint secured by a dowel or dowels.
{Dowel pin}, a dowel. See {Dowel}, n., 1.
[1913 Webster]