Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rowel is a small, circular, spiked wheel or disk. It is specifically designed to be attached to the end of a rider's spur. When the rider presses the spur against a horse's side, the rowel rotates, providing a sharp, pointed stimulus to encourage the horse to move forward or respond to commands.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The antique spur had a beautifully crafted, twelve-pointed rowel made of silver.
  • A blunt or dirty rowel can injure a horse, so riders must keep their equipment clean and in good condition.
  • He adjusted the rowel on his new pair of spurs before the competition.

Advanced Usage

• "To rowel" (verb, rare/archaic): To use a spur with a rowel on a horse; to urge or goad.
  • The cowboy roweled his horse to a faster gallop.
• The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that acts as a sharp stimulus or goad.
  • The criticism served as a rowel to his pride, forcing him to improve his work.

Variants and Related Words

• Rowelled/Roweled (adjective): Describing a spur that is fitted with a rowel.
  • He preferred rowelled spurs for dressage.
• Spur: The main device, typically a metal tool worn on a rider's heel, to which the rowel is attached.

Synonyms

• Goad
• Prod
• Stimulus (in the metaphorical sense)

Related Phrases

• Rowel spur: A type of spur distinguished by having a rotating rowel at its end, as opposed to a "fixed" or "prince of Wales" spur which has a simple, blunt end or a small knob.

Noun

1. a small spiked wheel at the end of a spur