(hwit′l) v. ·tled, ·tling v.t.
1. To cut or shave bits from (wood, a stick, etc.).
2. To make or shape by carving or whittling.
3. To reduce or wear away by paring a little at a time: with down, off, away, etc.: to whittle down costs.
—v.i.
4. To whittle wood, usually as an aimless diversion. See synonyms under CUT. [<noun]
—noun Dial. & Scot. A knife; especially, a sheath knife worn at the belt, or any large knife. [Alter. of ME thwitel <OE thwitan cut]
—whit′tler noun

(hwit′l) noun Dial.
1. A blanket.
2. A shaggy mantle formerly worn by countrywomen. Also whittle shawl. [OE hwītel <hwīt white]