What is "persian drill"

Persian \Per"sian\, a. [From Persia: cf. It. Persiano. Cf. Parsee, Peach, Persic.] Of or pertaining to Persia, to the Persians, or to their language.

Persian berry, the fruit of Rhamnus infectorius, a kind of buckthorn, used for dyeing yellow, and imported chiefly from Trebizond.

Persian cat. (Zo["o]l.) Same as Angora cat, under Angora.

Persian columns (Arch.), columns of which the shaft represents a Persian slave; -- called also Persians. See Atlantes.

Persian drill (Mech.), a drill which is turned by pushing a nut back and forth along a spirally grooved drill holder.

Persian fire (Med.), malignant pustule.

Persian powder. See Insect powder, under Insect.

Persian red. See Indian red (a), under Indian.

Persian wheel, a noria; a tympanum. See Noria.

A Persian drill is a drill which is turned by pushing a nut back and forth along a spirally grooved drill holder. It was formerly used for delicate operations such as jewellery making and dentistry. A ratcheting screwdriver with a 'spiral ratchet' mechanism may be used as a Persian drill.