—n.
1 a small hand-held tool with a flat pointed blade, used to apply and spread mortar etc.
2 a similar tool with a curved scoop for lifting plants or earth.
—v.tr. (trowelled, trowelling; US troweled, troweling)
1 apply (plaster etc.).
2 dress (a wall etc.) with a trowel.
Etymology: ME f. OF truele f. med.L truella f. L trulla scoop, dimin. of trua ladle etc.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.