*dowel*

n. [ Cf. G. döbel peg, F. douelle state of a cask, surface of an arch, douille socket, little pipe, cartridge. ] (Mech.) 1. A pin, or block, of wood or metal, fitting into holes in the abutting portions of two pieces, and being partly in one piece and partly in the other, to keep them in their proper relative position. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A piece of wood driven into a wall, so that other pieces may be nailed to it. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dowel joint, a joint secured by a dowel or dowels. --
Dowel pin, a dowel. See Dowel, n., 1. [ 1913 Webster ]