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

Daphne's pink-and-black vivacity beside her seemed a pinchbeck thing.

From Project Gutenberg

He can likewise tell if pinchbeck is or not a good mixture of copper and brass of equal proportion!

From Project Gutenberg

It was a pinchbeck world, of pretence and pull,—that world that lies drowned out there.

From Project Gutenberg

He preached every third Sabbath at Pinchbeck, near Spalding, to which place he subsequently removed.

From Project Gutenberg

A paste pin in a faded cravat, and a jaunty cane with a pinchbeck top, betrayed that he was still somewhat of a beau.

From Project Gutenberg