whittle etymology

Etymology:

• Old English "hwitel" (sharp instrument)
• Middle English "whitel" (to cut with a sharp instrument)
• Old Norse "hvítell" (akin to "hvít" = white)

Meaning:

• To cut or carve wood with a sharp knife, typically to create small, decorative objects.
• To reduce something gradually or incrementally.

Origin:

The origin of the word "whittle" is uncertain, but there are two main theories:

• From "white": It may be related to the Old Norse word "hvít" (white), as the white wood chips created during whittling can resemble snow.
• From "knife": It may also be derived from the Old English word "hwitel" (sharp instrument), which was used to describe a variety of cutting tools.

Over time, the word "whittle" has come to be specifically associated with the activity of carving small objects from wood using a sharp knife. It is a popular and accessible craft that requires relatively few tools and materials.

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