1. the process of shaping wood or stone roughly with an axe or similar tool before fine finishing
Usage: carpentry; masonry

Examples

• The carpenter began with roughhewing the timber before moving to detailed work.
• Roughhewing removes the bulk of excess material quickly.
• After roughhewing the stone blocks, the mason refined each surface.
• The apprentice learned roughhewing techniques before advancing to precision cuts.
• Traditional roughhewing requires skill to avoid splitting the wood.