The Collaborative International Dictionary
thowel
Thole \Thole\, n. [Written also thowel, and thowl.] [OE. thol, AS. [thorn]ol; akin to D. dol, Icel. [thorn]ollr a fir tree, a young fir, a tree, a thole.]
A wooden or metal pin, set in the gunwale of a boat, to serve as a fulcrum for the oar in rowing.
--Longfellow.-
The pin, or handle, of a scythe snath.
Thole pin. Same as Thole.
Wiktionary
thowel
n. 1 A tholepin in a boat. 2 A rowlock.