BORE, a high tidal wave rushing up a narrow estuary or tidal river. A tide often rising i8ft. in gomins. produces the Severn bore by crowding water into the narrowing funnel of the estuary. The phenomenon is also particularly well illustrated in the Bay of Fundy. The name is usually derived from a Scan dinavian word (bdra) a wave, billow. The other name by which the phenomenon is known, "eagre," is also of unknown origin. There is, of course, no connection with "bore," to make a hole by piercing or drilling, which is a common Teutonic word, cf. Ger. bohren, the Indo-European root being seen in Lat. f ordre to pierce, Gr. 4apos, plough. For the making of deep holes for shafts, wells, etc. (see BORING) . The substantival use of this word is generally confined to the circular cavity of objects of tubular shape, particularly of a gun, hence the internal diameter of a gun, its "calibre" (see GUN) . A "bore" is also a tiresome, wearying person, particularly one who persistently harps on one subject. This has generally been taken to be merely a metaphorical use of "bore," to pierce. For an early use in English in this sense see Earl Carlisle's letters 1768, printed in Jesse's Life of George Sel wyn. The New English Dictionary suggests derivation from Fr. bourrer, to stuff, satiate.