Thirled

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Passed a sharp object through to make a hole ; moved or spun rapidly in a twisting or whirling manner
2. Made a hole by piercing with a pointed tool ; turned swiftly with a spinning or revolving action
3. Created an opening by drilling through ; moved in a fast rotating or twirling way

Etymology: The verb "thirl" is an old northern and Scots word meaning to pierce or bore through, and "thirled" is its past tense. It comes from Old English "thyrlian", "to pierce", built on "thyrel", "hole", which is related to "thurh", "through". That same family gave English "thrill". The sense of a sharp, piercing sensation came first, and the modern meaning of a quivering excitement developed later. The same root sits inside "nostril", which comes from Old English "nosthyrl", literally "nose-hole". Your second sense, of spinning or twisting rapidly, is recorded for Scots "thirl" but is less widely attested than the piercing sense, so the two meanings may not share a clear line of development.