rowel

Meanings

1. A small spiked wheel on the end of a spur of certain types.
2. A little flat ring or wheel on a horse's bit.
3. A roll of hair, silk, etc., passed through the flesh of a horse in the manner of a seton in human surgery.

1. To use a rowel on (something), especially to drain fluid.
2. To fit with spurs.
3. To apply the spur to.
4. To incite; to goad.

Etymology

From Middle English rowel, rowell, rowelle, from Old French roel, roiele (compare modern French rouelle), from Late Latin rotella, diminutive of Latin rota (“wheel”). Doublet of rotella.