auger

[ aw-ger ]

noun

1. Carpentry.
   1. a bit, as for a brace.
   2. a boring tool, similar to but larger than a gimlet, consisting of a bit rotated by a transverse handle.
2. earth auger.
3. a device consisting of a shaft with a broad helical flange rotating within a cylindrical casing to force bulk materials from one end to the other.
4. snake ( def 3a ).

auger

/ ˈɔːɡə /

noun

1. a hand tool with a bit shaped like a corkscrew, for boring holes in wood
2. a larger tool of the same kind for boring holes in the ground

Word History and Origins

Origin of auger¹

before 900; Middle English nauger ( a nauger misdivided as an auger; adder ¹, apron ), Old English nafogār nave-piercer (cognate with Old Norse nafarr, Old Saxon nabugēr, Middle Dutch navegeer, Old High German nabagēr ), equivalent to nafa nave + gār spear; gore ³, garlic

Word History and Origins

Origin of auger¹

C15 an augur, resulting from mistaken division of earlier a nauger, from Old English nafugār nave (of a wheel) spear (that is, tool for boring hubs of wheels), from nafu nave ² + gār spear; see gore ²

Example Sentences

She extends the end of her body till it is like an auger, and with this she bores a deep hole in the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

Auger holes had been bored in the shaft and strong oak pins had been driven in to serve for handles.

From Project Gutenberg

You've been waiting your moment, holding your breath on one side of the wall while the auger grinds through from the other.

From Project Gutenberg

To broach a pipe, pierce it with an auger or gimlet, four fingers- breadth over the lower rim, so that the dregs may not rise.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Henry was the first to make the “rag” carpet, and was the inventor of the screw-auger.

From Project Gutenberg