breast drill

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of breast drill

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

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

From Scientific American, Volume 17, No. 26 December 28, 1867 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various

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

From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua

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

From The Automobile Storage Battery Its Care And Repair by Witte, Otto A.

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

From Scientific American, Volume 17, No. 26 December 28, 1867 A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various