chisel
UK[ˈtʃɪz(ə)l]US[ˈtʃɪz(ə)l]
n
a long-bladed hand tool with a bevelled cutting edge and a handle which is struck with a hammer or mallet, used to cut or shape wood, stone, or metal.
v
cut or shape (something) with a chisel.
v
informal. cheat or swindle (someone) out of something.
Etymology
the word 'chisel' entered english in the early 14th century from the old french 'cisel', which meant a cutting tool. this old french term evolved from the vulgar latin 'cisellum', a derivative of the latin verb 'caedere', meaning 'to cut' or 'to strike'. the semantic journey is direct and concrete: from the general action of cutting to the specific instrument designed for that purpose. the modern informal verb sense, 'to swindle', is a metaphorical extension from the 19th century, likening sharp, dishonest practice to the tool's cutting action.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old french, which itself derived from vulgar latin. the functional role is that of a concrete noun denoting a specific tool, which later developed verbal meanings.
Examples
the sculptor used a hammer and chisel to release the figure from the marble block.
he carefully chiselled a groove into the wooden beam.
they were accused of trying to chisel their way into the lucrative contract.