Obs. [A metathetic form of THIRL sb.1; originally northern.] A hole or aperture; esp. a NOSE-THIRL, nostril.

1

1382.  Noose thrillis, c. 1400 Nose thrilles [see NOSE-THIRL β].

2

c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 3045. Hir nose … With thrilles noght thrat, but thriftily made.

3

a. 1400–50.  Alexander, 4073. Hale he þam [images] fyndis … & aithire thrill stoppis.

4

1634.  Sir T. Herbert, Trav., 211. Her [dodo’s] bill is crooked downwards, in midst is the thrill.

5

  Comb.  1618.  Brathwait, Descr. Death, xiv. Naked his scalpe, thrill-open is his Nose.

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