c.1290, “article of value used for adornment,” Anglo-Fr. juel, O.Fr. juel, jouel “ornament, jewel” (12c.), perhaps from M.L. jocale, from L. jocus “pastime, sport,” in V.L. “that which causes joy” (see joke). Another theory traces it to L. gaudium, also with a notion of “rejoice.” Sense of “precious stone” developed early 14c.

Noun

1. a. A precious stone; a gem. b. A small natural or artificial gem used as a bearing in a watch. 2. A costly ornament of precious metal or gems. 3. One that is treasured or esteemed.

Transitive verb

Inflected forms: jew·eled or jew·elled, jew·el·ing or jew·el·ling, jew·els 1. To adorn with jewels. 2. To fit with jewels.

Etymology

Middle English juel, from Anglo-Norman, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *ioc*le, from neuter of *ioc*lis, of play, from Latin iocus, joke; see yek- in Indo-European roots.