Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Thole \Thole\, n. [Written also {thowel}, and {thowl}.] [OE.
   thol, AS. [thorn]ol; akin to D. dol, Icel. [thorn]ollr a fir
   tree, a young fir, a tree, a thole.]
   1. A wooden or metal pin, set in the gunwale of a boat, to
      serve as a fulcrum for the oar in rowing. --Longfellow.

   2. The pin, or handle, of a scythe snath.

   {Thole pin}. Same as {Thole}.