bodkin

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a blunt, large-eyed needle used to pull cord or ribbon through a hem or casing

   She threaded the elastic through the waistband with a bodkin.

2. 2
   noun

   a small pointed tool used to pierce cloth, leather, or paper

   The bookbinder opened each sewing hole with a steel bodkin.

3. 3
   noun

   archaic: a slender dagger

   In the old tragedy, the prince considered ending his life with a bare bodkin.

4. 4
   noun

   historical: a long hairpin

   She secured the coil of hair with a silver bodkin.

Simplified etymology

Bodkin entered English in the Middle English period, first meaning a dagger. Its origin is uncertain but may be Celtic, with possible links to Irish bod, Welsh bidog, and Scottish Gaelic biodag, all associated with a dagger. The word later denoted a sharp cloth-piercing tool and, from the early 18th century, a blunt, large-eyed needle used for threading tape or thick thread.

From Middle English boydekin, originally 'dagger'; its deeper origin is uncertain. The diminutive-looking -kin ending accompanied later extensions to pointed tools, needles, and hairpins.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary