breast drill

noun

1. a geared drill that can be braced against the chest for additional leverage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breast drill¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

For drilling small holes in metal, the breast drill shown in Fig.

From Project Gutenberg

A valve grinding tool patterned largely after a breast drill is shown at Fig.

From Project Gutenberg

To break the seal, a hollow reamer or facing tool, fitted into a drill press or breast drill, is slipped over the post.

From Project Gutenberg

The placing and working of the former consumes considerable time, and the labor of drilling with the breast drill is excessive and exhausting.

From Project Gutenberg

For this the Scotch or ratchet drill, if the job is heavy, is employed, and if light, the breast drill.

From Project Gutenberg