(click for larger image in new window) n. A metal tool with a sharp beveled edge, used to cut and shape stone, wood, or metal. v.
chis·eled or chis·elled, chis·el·ing or chis·el·ling, chis·els
v.
tr.
To shape or cut with a chisel.
Informal
To cheat or swindle.
To obtain by deception.
v.
intr.
To use a chisel.
Informal
To use unethical methods; cheat: "who's up, who's down and who's chiseling on the side"(James Reston).
To intrude oneself without welcome: always tries to chisel in on our conversations.
[Middle English, from Old French cisiel, from Vulgar Latin *cīsellus, cutting tool, from diminutive of Latin caesus, past participle of caedere, to cut; see kaə-id- in Indo-European roots.] chis'el·er n.