from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Drill \Drill\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Drilled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Drilling}.] [D. drillen to bore, drill (soldiers); probably
akin to AS. pyrlian, pyrelian, to pierce. See {Thrill}.]
1. To pierce or bore with a drill, or a with a drill; to
perforate; as, to drill a hole into a rock; to drill a
piece of metal.
[1913 Webster]
2. To train in the military art; to exercise diligently, as
soldiers, in military evolutions and exercises; hence, to
instruct thoroughly in the rudiments of any art or branch
of knowledge; to discipline.
[1913 Webster]
He [Frederic the Great] drilled his people, as he
drilled his grenadiers. -- Macaulay.
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