1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Shovel

Shovel (O.E. scofl, from root of scufan, to shove, push, cf. Ger. Schaufel, also Schüppe, scoop), an implement or tool, consisting of a broad flat blade with edges or sides turned up fixed to a wooden handle terminating in a bow like a spade. It is used for lifting or removing such loose substances as coal, gravel and the like.