whittle

To cut small bits or pare shavings from (a piece of wood).

To fashion or shape in this way.

To reduce or eliminate gradually.

To cut or shape wood with a knife.

Originally, a blanket; later, a coarse shaggy mantle or woolen shawl worn by West-country women in England.

A knife; especially, a large knife, as a butcher’s knife or one carried in the girdle.

To cut or dress with a knife; form with a whittle or knife: as, to whittle a stick.

To pare, or reduce by paring, literally or figuratively.

To intoxicate; make tipsy or drunk.