bodkin

== English == === Alternative forms === bodikin, bodkine, botkin, boidken === Etymology === From Middle English boydekin (“dagger”), apparently from *boyde, *boide (of unknown [Celtic?] origin) + -kin. Cognate with Scots botkin, boitkin, boikin (“bodkin”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbɒdkɪn/ === Noun === bodkin (plural bodkins) A small sharp pointed tool for making holes in cloth or leather. A blunt needle used for threading ribbon or cord through a hem or casing. A hairpin. A dagger. A type of long thin arrowhead. (printing) A sharp tool, like an awl, formerly used for pressing down individual type characters (e.g. letters) from a column or page in making corrections. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Adverb === bodkin (not comparable) Closely wedged between two people. 2018, Delphi Complete Works of R. S. Surtees (Illustrated) Moreover, Mr. Jorrocks insisted upon riding bodkin — a very awkward-sized bodkin he was — especially as he would have all three to sit back, so that the conversation might be general. === Further reading === bodkin on Wikipedia.Wikipedia === Anagrams === Dobkin