Now rare. [f. ppl. stem of L. terebrāre to bore.] trans. To bore, pierce, perforate; to penetrate by boring. Also absol. In quot. 1774, to form by boring. In quots. 1855, 1869 humorously for BORE v.2
1623. Cockeram, Terebrate, to pierce with a Wimble.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., II. vi. 100. If wee consider the threefold effect of Jupiters Trisulke, to burne, discusse and terebrate.
1683–4. Robinson, in Phil. Trans., XXIX. 475. The Insects suck and terebrate the Tree.
1758. J. Clubbe, Misc. Tracts (1770), 100. An incrustated surface … too hard for my finer sort of gimblets to terebrate.
1774. G. White, Selborne, 26 Feb. The bank-martin terebrates a round and regular hole in the sand or earth.
1855. O. W. Holmes, Poems, 250. O for a world where … blunted dulness terebrates in vain!
1869. Sat. Rev., 14 May, 582. They [women] succeed by dint of perseverance; their terebrating powers are in the long run, irresistible.
