carrel

Meanings

1. Alternative spelling of carol (“a small closet or enclosure built against the inner side of a window of a monastery's cloister, to sit in for study”).
2. A partitioned space for reading or studying, often in a library.

1. A type of fabric used in the 16th and 17th centuries.

1. Synonym of quarrel (“a square-headed arrow”).

1. A surname.

Etymology

A variant of carol (“small closet or enclosure”), from Middle English carole (“round dance with singing; group of people dancing and singing in a circle; circular thing; braid, chain (?); stall for study or writing; writing table; etc.”) (possibly referring to the fact that the item encloses or surrounds the person using it): see further at carol.