pinchbeck

[ pinch-bek ]

noun

1. an alloy of copper and zinc, used in imitation of gold.
2. something sham, spurious, or counterfeit.

adjective

1. made of pinchbeck.
2. sham, spurious, or counterfeit:

   pinchbeck heroism.

pinchbeck

/ ˈpɪntʃˌbɛk /

noun

1. an alloy of copper and zinc, used as imitation gold
2. a spurious or cheap imitation; sham

adjective

1. made of pinchbeck
2. sham, spurious, or cheap

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinchbeck¹

1725–35; named after Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), English watchmaker and its inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinchbeck¹

C18 (the alloy), C19 (something spurious): after Christopher Pinchbeck (?1670–1732), English watchmaker who invented it

Example Sentences

With rough and homely fist he had copied this pinchbeck fervour.

From Project Gutenberg

There was Robert--haggard and unkempt--still in the pinchbeck uniform, torn and bespattered now, with a peasant's frieze-coat thrown over it--a ridiculous disguise.

From Project Gutenberg

What a snake in the grass, with his clever military plan and pinchbeck enthusiasm!

From Project Gutenberg

But for love of the dear old Karnak, I must show up this pinchbeck Isabel; this dirty, disorderly floating prison, where no kind care alleviated one's miseries, and no suitable diet helped one's recovery.

From Project Gutenberg

The public has in turn learned to expect the sudden start, the swift pace, the placarded climax, the clever paradox, the crisp repartee, the pinchbeck style, the bared realism, the concluding click.

From Project Gutenberg