ˈʃʌvl n. & v. --n. 1 a a spadelike
tool for shifting quantities of
coal,
earth,
etc.,
esp. having
the sides curved upwards. b the
amount contained in a shovel; a shovelful. 2 a
machine or
part of a machine having a
similar form or
function. --v.tr. (shovelled, shovelling; US shoveled, shoveling) 1
shift or
clear (coal etc.)
with or as if with a shovel. 2 colloq.
move (esp. food) in
large quantities or
roughly (shovelled peas
into his mouth). øshovel
hat a broad-brimmed hat esp.
worn by
some clergymen. øøshovelful n. (pl. -fuls). [OE scofl f. Gmc (see SHOVE)]