from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bevel \Bev"el\, n. [C. F. biveau, earlier buveau, Sp. baivel; of
unknown origin. Cf. {Bevile}.]
1. Any angle other than a right angle; the angle which one
surface makes with another when they are not at right
angles; the slant or inclination of such surface; as, to
give a bevel to the edge of a table or a stone slab; the
bevel of a piece of timber.
[1913 Webster]
2. An instrument consisting of two rules or arms, jointed
together at one end, and opening to any angle, for
adjusting the surfaces of work to the same or a given
inclination; -- called also a {bevel square}. --Gwilt.
[1913 Webster]