CHISSEL, an instrument much used in carpentry, masonry, joinery, sculpture, &c., and distinguished according to the breadth of the blade into half-inch chisels, quarter-inch chisels, &c. They have also different names according to the different uses to which they are applied; as, 1. The former, used by carpenters, &c., just after the work is scribed; it is struck with a mallet. 2. The paring-chisel, which is used in paring off the irregularities made by the former; this is pressed with the workman's shoulder. 3. The skew-former cleanses acute angles with the point of its narrow edge. 4. The mortise chisel, used in cutting deep square holes in wood, for mortices; it is narrow, but thick and strong, to endure hard blows. 5. Socket-chisels, having their shank made with a hollow socket at top, to receive a strong wooden spring fitted into it with a shoulder. 6. Ripping chisel, having a blunt edge, with no basil, used in tearing two pieces of wood asunder. And, 7. the gouge. See Gouge.