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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†DRILL, v.1 (See quot.). Vbl.n. drilling.Sc. 1750 Scots Mag. (Aug.) 396:
Each sort of fish is thrown into a trough, wherein a large shovel of salt is cast; and the fish and salt are well stirred or shovelled up together, the better to incorporate the salt with the blood and juices; which operation is called drilling.

[An extended use of Eng. drill, to bore, pierce; cf. Dev. dial. meaning of “to turn round and round, to twine”.]

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