Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   2. A piece of wood driven into a wall, so that other pieces
      may be nailed to it.

   {Dowel joint}, a joint secured by a dowel or dowels.

   {Dowel pin}, a dowel. See {Dowel}, n., 1.