From Middle Low German 'dovel' (plug/peg)—a fastening method unchanged since ancient Egypt.
A cylindrical wooden pin used to hold two pieces of wood together by fitting into holes drilled in each piece.
From Middle Low German 'dovel' (a plug, a peg), related to Old High German 'tubili' (plug, dowel). The word may connect to a Germanic root meaning 'to push in.' Dowels are among the oldest fastening methods in woodworking. Key roots: dovel / tubili (Germanic: "plug, peg").