1873 C. P. B. Shelley ix. 265 One or two instruments were mentioned which, although worked by hand, were capable of perforating plates of considerable thickness. Such are the ‘punching bear’ and other portable forms of apparatus.
1875 E. H. Knight Punching-bear, a machine for making holes in sheet-metal, operated by simple lever power or by hydraulic pressure.
1935 19 Feb. 28/5 (advt.) Pneumatic Hammers, Drills, Hydraulic Riveters and Punching Bears.