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

Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of Energy UK, described carbon capture, utilisation and storage as a "tool in our armoury of technologies which we need to decarbonise parts of energy that we currently can't do with clean electricity".

From BBC

Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of Energy UK, pointed to the problem of not being able to build onshore wind farms.

From BBC

Inside, there were displays of timepieces from labels that have received international attention, including Christopher Ward and Fears, alongside many less well-known brands, such as Geckota, Isotope Watches, Pinchbeck and Pinion.

From New York Times

However, its chief executive Emma Pinchbeck said members were mainly concerned about "uncertainty" and "change in tone" from government when it comes to them making investment decisions.

From BBC

However, its chief executive Emma Pinchbeck said members were mainly concerned about "uncertainty" and "change in tone" from government when it comes to them making investment decisions.

From BBC