I. drilling ˈdriliŋ, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of drill (IV)
: material removed by a drill in making a hole — usually used in plural
brushed aside the drillings from about the hole
II. dril·ling noun
( -s )
Etymology: by folk etymology from German drillich, from Middle High German drilich fabric woven with a threefold thread, from drilich threefold, from Old High German drilīh made up of three threads, by folk etymology (influence of Old High German dri- — akin to Old High German drī three — & Old High German -līh -ly) from Latin trilic-, trilix, from tri- + -lic-, -lix (from licium thread); perhaps akin to Latin liquis oblique — more at oblique , three , -ly (adjective suffix)
: drill IX
III. drill·ing adjective
Etymology: from present participle of drill (IV)
1. : appearing to see far into : piercing
sharp drilling eyes — Olive H. Prouty
2. : deeply penetrative : biting
drilling sarcasm about money — Marcia Davenport