View synonyms for bodkin

bodkin

[ bod-kin ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a small, pointed instrument for making holes in cloth, leather, etc.
a long pinshaped instrument used by women to fasten up the hair.
a blunt, needlelike instrument for drawing tape, cord, etc., through a loop, hem, or the like.
Obsolete. a small dagger; stiletto.

bodkin

/ ˈbɒdkɪn /

a blunt large-eyed needle used esp for drawing tape through openwork
archaic.
a dagger
printing a pointed steel tool used for extracting characters when correcting metal type
archaic.
a long ornamental hairpin

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Origin of bodkin¹

1350–1400; Middle English badeken, bo ( i ) dekyn, of uncertain origin

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Origin of bodkin¹

C14: probably of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic biodag dagger

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Next from the large casket Mrs. Sin took another smaller casket and a very long, tapering silver bodkin.

He calmly inserted the bodkin in the second cake; seemed to meet with some obstruction, and laid the ball down upon the counter.

Christopher Bodkin of Tuam may, from his character, have conformed insincerely, but this is not proved.

But I must not say more even to you, dear Mrs. Bodkin, for these are State secrets, which should be sacredly respected.

We have already been present at more than one social gathering at Dr. Bodkin's house.

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