bodkin

[ bod-kin ]

noun

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

bodkin

/ ˈbɒdkɪn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bodkin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bodkin¹

C14: probably of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic biodag dagger

Example Sentences

Punishment for cursing or disparaging a clergyman was having a bodkin — a large needle — driven through the tongue.

From Washington Post

In fact, that “serpent of old Nile” — Shakespeare’s phrase — probably used Egyptian cobra venom, possibly secreted in a hollow bodkin that she carried wound in her hair.

From Washington Post

"Whom would fardels bear under such a weary and long life.... when he could his quietus make with a bare bodkin?"

From New York Times

However, we atheists should not relent, but press our advantage, and remain ready at all times to slip the bodkin of reason into the still-beating heart of faith and twist it vigorously.

From Salon

We are told by Fathers, that Herodias stabbed the head with a bodkin when she got it into her hand, and here are the marks of such an operation visible.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bayonet
• blade
• sword