English edit

Etymology 1 edit

From Middle English thurlunge, from Old English þȳrlung (piercing), verbal noun of þȳrlian (to pierce). Equivalent to thirl +‎ -ing.

Alternative forms edit

Noun edit

thirling (plural thirlings)

  1. The act of boring or perforating
  2. (coal-mining) Same as thirl
  3. (Northern England, mining) In lead-mining, a mark indicating the termination of a set or pitch

Etymology 2 edit

From thirl.

Verb edit

thirling

  1. present participle and gerund of thirl