1790 B. Poellnitz Let. 20 Mar. in G. Washington (1996) Presidential Ser. V. 265 My implements I thinck [sic] are equal to the undertaking... 1 mill for fattening cattle. 1 Earth augre. 1 augre for conducting water works. [etc.].
1861 5 Apr. 360/1 An earth auger for boring post holes.
1981 E. K. Blankenbaker xv. 183/1 Bored wells are made with an earth auger. It drills a hole which is larger in diameter than the casing.