Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WHIT'TLE, v.t.

1. To pare or cut off the surface of a thing with a small knife. Some persons have a habit of whittling, and are rarely seen without a penknife in their hands for that purpose. [This is, I believe, the only use of this word in New England.]
2. To edge; to sharpen. [Not in use.] – Hakewill.