An archaic verb meaning to rehearse thoroughly or to repeat and practice something intensively.
From 'be-' (thoroughly) + 'hearse' (to rehearse, from Old French 'hercer,' meaning to drag or harrow). The original sense connected to the harrow tool, which repetitively dragged across soil—hence 'to repeat thoroughly.'
The word 'hearse' (the vehicle for carrying the dead) comes from the same root—originally it meant a frame with spikes for displaying items, then evolved to mean a carriage, showing how the same root word can transform completely in meaning.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.