chisel
UK: ˈtʃɪz.əl | US: ˈtʃɪz.əl
n. a metal tool with a sharp edge, used to cut or shape wood, stone, or other hard materials
vt. to cut or shape (a material) with a chisel
vt. (informal) to cheat or swindle someone
The word "chisel" traces back to Old French cisel, derived from Vulgar Latin cisellum, a diminutive of Latin caesus (past participle of caedere, meaning "to cut"). The morpheme chis- reflects the tool's primary function of cutting, while -el denotes a small or refined version. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to describe both the tool and its action, later acquiring metaphorical meanings like "to cheat" (implying precision in deception).
The sculptor used a chisel to carve intricate details into the marble.
Be careful not to chisel too deeply into the wood.
He was accused of chiseling money from vulnerable investors.
The ancient artifact was shaped with primitive stone chisels.
She chiseled her initials into the tree trunk as a memento.