[Origin obscure. Cf. ON. þrífa to grip: but connecting links are unknown.] The handle (usu. wooden) of a mill bill, which is fixed in a mortise in the thick head of the handle.
c. 1900. Circular of Bryan Corcoran Lim. Mill Bill in Wood Thrift … Iron Thrift, Steel Thrift. Ibid. Model Mill Bill stone dressing machine … the thrift is set in a ball hinge…. Like in ordinary hand dressing, the thrift is worked to give the blow.
